Bohol Light is ramping up its shift to renewable energy with a new 8 megawatts alternating current (MWac) solar project by Mabuhay Power, part of a broader move to support Tagbilaran City’s growth as a rising business hub.
The solar facility is expected to power nearly 25% of Tagbilaran City’s electricity needs, positioning the city at the forefront of clean power use in the Visayas and underscoring its commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
Bohol Light President and CEO Roel Castro highlighted the strategic value of the project. “This is a big percentage and will definitely help in attracting investors,” Castro explained. “They always ask about the percentage of green energy in our system. So, we are becoming a very attractive investment area.”
Bohol Governor Erico Aris Aumentado voiced optimism over the province’s energy readiness to fuel investor confidence and drive sustainable growth. “We can say we have stable and affordable power because we have solar farms and other sources that provide green energy,” he declared in Cebuano.
(Also read: Solar Power Lights Up Historic Limawasa Island)
New solar facility
Spanning 10 hectares across Tagbilaran, Libertad, and Baclayon, Bohol’s new ground-mounted solar plant is set to produce around 16,947 megawatt hours (MWh) of clean energy each year—enough to power roughly 7,000 homes.
Additionally, the provincial government projects that the plant will cut carbon emissions by 15,000 tons annually, the equivalent of planting 750 trees each year.
A new sub-transmission line is being built by Bohol Light as part of its five-year development plan, connecting the Corella substation to the former Tagbilaran airport, now being transformed into an IT Park.
“We will also be putting up a new substation in that area in preparation for the growth in the area because we’re already seeing the signs happening,” said Castro, adding that this comes alongside the ongoing upgrades to the current distribution infrastructure.
Within the next 12 to 16 months, the solar facility, estimated at over P450 million, will integrate into Bohol Light’s distribution network under a 20-year power supply agreement.
Once active, the solar farm is expected to provide substantial financial, ecological, and workforce advantages to Bohol. It will generate up to 70 jobs during development, 12 operational positions, and contribute over P75 million in government revenues over the next two decades.
(Also read: Ajinomoto Cebu Now Runs on 100% Renewable Energy)
Affordable & reliable electricity
Despite rising expenses in the generation sector, Bohol Light continues its commitment to keeping electricity prices low for its customers. “For this month, I would like to announce that the lowest rate is Bohol Light, at least among the major DUs (distribution utilities) in the Visayas,” announced Castro. “Followed by More Power in Iloilo and Negros Power in Negros, which are all being managed by PrimElectric.”
Meanwhile, Aumentado praised Bohol Light for its dedication to delivering cost-effective and dependable electricity. “I’m very proud that we made the right choice in partnering with Bohol Light because the power rate in Tagbilaran City has lowered,” he said.
He stressed the growing potential of Tagbilaran and Bohol. With the new facility in place, Augmentado believes Tagbilaran is well-prepared for the increased power needs.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap also noted the importance of electricity for the city’s growth, especially as the Business Process Management (BPM) sector expands and the IT Park project moves forward.
“We have four big BPO industries in Tagbilaran City. We really need the support of our power companies. And this is a welcome development for Tagbilaran City for every Tagbilaranon,” she said. “Not just for industries that will be investing in Tagbilaran but also the different households. Because the benefits of Mabuhay Power, in partnership with Bohol Light, will have a ripple effect.”
This project will complement Bohol’s renewable energy initiatives, following the ceremonial switch-on of the 27-megawatt Dagohoy Solar Power Plant in November 2024.
Sources:
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/634541/bohol-8-4-mwac-solar-power-to-boost-investors-confidence/
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/bohol-light-greenlights-re-push-boosting-tagbilarans-investment-ap