Malay Seeks Inter-Agency Power Task Force as Visayas Faces Supply Alerts
By Jun N. Aguirre
The Sangguniang Bayan of Malay is calling for the creation of an inter-agency task force to help ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply in Boracay and Malay amid continuing concerns over power availability, possible rate increases and uncertainties in the international energy market.
Malay Councilor Vicky Aguirre-Salem told the Boracay Sun News on August 12 that the proposed task force should include the Municipal Government of Malay, Department of Energy (DOE), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), power generation companies and Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO).
“The task force is envisioned to provide closer coordination among government agencies and the power industry in monitoring Boracay’s electricity requirements, addressing possible supply shortages and preparing contingency measures,” said Salem.
The proposal comes as AKELCO General Manager Atty. Ariel Gepty warned that consumers could continue to face possible electricity price increases as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable.
“The Strait of Hormuz is a major global route for oil shipments, and prolonged disruptions could push fuel prices higher, potentially increasing the cost of electricity generation,” said Gepty in a media conference in Lezo, Aklan on July 24, 2026.
At the same time, NGCP has warned of possible increases in ancillary service fees, another factor that could put additional pressure on electricity rates. While there are positive developments in the power supply outlook, additional generation capacity may not immediately eliminate the risk of electricity shortages in the Visayas.
According to NGCP lead specialist Reagan Alcantara, electricity supply in the region could improve with the return to operation of power plants serving the Visayas grid. Boracay has also gained additional transmission support following the energization of the 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission facility serving the island, which began operating in July.
However, the Visayas region may still experience red and/or yellow alerts this year because of a continuing shortage in available power supply.
“A yellow alert means the available power reserve has fallen below the level required to provide sufficient contingency for the system, while a red alert indicates that available supply is insufficient to meet demand plus the required reserve,” Alcantara told BSN in a phone interview.
This means that even with additional power plants returning to service and stronger transmission facilities, the region could remain vulnerable to supply interruptions during periods of high demand or when generating units unexpectedly go offline.
For Boracay, the issue is particularly critical because the island’s tourism economy depends heavily on reliable electricity. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, water systems, telecommunications facilities and other tourism-related establishments require continuous power to operate.
Officials are also urging consumers to conserve electricity as the region works to manage limited supply.
With Boracay’s peak season approaching, ensuring a dependable power supply has become an increasingly important concern.
“The challenge is now to balance additional generation, stronger transmission infrastructure, conservation, reliable supply and affordable electricity while the Philippines continues to face both domestic power-sector constraints and international energy-market uncertainties,” Alcantara added.
Western Visayas Seeks Energy Emergency Declaration
The Regional Development Council-Western Visayas convened a meeting on September 14 to address the region’s power supply challenges, attended by RDC VI members, private sector representatives, generating companies and electric cooperatives.
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin provided updates on measures being undertaken to address recurring Yellow and Red Alerts in the Visayas, driven by insufficient generation capacity and increasing power demand.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, RDC VI said it endorsed a proposed resolution calling on the Office of the President to declare a State of Energy Emergency in Western Visayas and implement immediate interventions to avert a potential energy crisis.
Garin said immediate measures include facilitating the return to service of power plants and supporting the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to help stabilize electricity supply. The DOE is also pursuing additional generation capacity and greater integration of renewable energy into the grid as part of its medium- and long-term strategies.
Garin also called for stronger collaboration among national government agencies, generating companies, electric cooperatives, distribution utilities, LGUs and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to the region’s energy challenges.
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