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A consumer advocacy group has warned that Cebu is entering a “critical” energy phase by 2026, a development that could stall the province’s economic growth and even compromise public safety.
The Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA) said the warning follows a Department of Energy (DOE) projection indicating a potential power supply crunch across the Visayas within two years. CERA convenor Nathaniel Chua said electricity demand in Cebu is rising by around 150 megawatts (MW) annually, outpacing the province’s ability to generate its own power.
“Cebu has been relying more on imported electricity transmitted through submarine cables, a setup that is risky and unsustainable,” Chua said in a statement.
Rising Demand, Strained Supply
The DOE earlier flagged that increasing consumption, combined with delayed construction of new power plants, could leave Cebu and neighboring islands vulnerable to supply instability. CERA said the problem is already visible through frequent “Yellow Alerts” (grid advisories issued when reserves fall below safe levels) and recurring power-sharing restrictions.
Business groups in the manufacturing and export sectors have reportedly raised alarms over escalating energy costs and production delays caused by unstable power supply. CERA said these disruptions could erode Cebu’s competitiveness if new baseload power plants are not built soon.
“If nothing changes by 2026, Cebu’s economic momentum could slow significantly,” Chua warned.
Fire Safety Risks
Beyond economic implications, CERA also pointed to a less-discussed consequence of energy instability — weakened fire response capability. Several fire hydrants in Cebu City have registered low to zero water pressure, a problem that the group linked to fluctuating power supply affecting the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) pumping stations.
According to CERA, insufficient electricity to sustain pumping facilities during outages or voltage drops can render fire hydrants unusable, leaving communities vulnerable in emergencies.
“Reliable electricity is not just an economic issue — it’s a public safety necessity,” CERA said.
The group called for the immediate construction of island-based power plants to reduce dependence on submarine cables. It also urged authorities to install dedicated or backup power lines for MCWD facilities, ensuring that water pressure remains stable even during grid fluctuations.
Transmission Projects Underway
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said it is addressing the region’s power reliability through 66 ongoing transmission and substation projects under its 10-year Transmission Development Plan. Fifteen of these are in the Visayas, including the Cebu–Bohol 230-kilovolt (kV) Interconnection Project and the Cebu–Lapu-Lapu 138 kV Transmission Line Project.
Also in progress are the Cebu–Negros–Panay Interconnection Projects (Stages 1–3), which aim to strengthen the Visayas grid’s backbone and improve inter-island energy sharing. Other efforts include substation upgrades and voltage improvement projects designed to enhance overall system reliability.
NGCP, a privately-owned Filipino consortium led by Henry Sy Jr. and Robert Coyiuto Jr., took over management of the national grid in 2009 under a 25-year government concession. The company said its ongoing projects are intended to ensure the “reliable and efficient delivery of electricity” across the country.
Call For A Clear Energy Roadmap
CERA is urging both the DOE and local utilities to publish a transparent, time-bound energy roadmap for Cebu and the wider Visayas region. The group warned that without decisive planning, the projected “critical” status could translate into daily power outages by 2026.
“Cebu needs a forward-looking energy plan that secures both economic activity and public safety,” Chua said. “This is not a distant concern — it’s an urgent one.”
Source:
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2026/01/04/2498680/cebu-facing-power-crisis
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-faces-critical-power-risk-in-2026