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A Cebu-based advocacy group is calling for a comprehensive review of the province’s energy roadmap, warning that the lack of reliable baseload generation could threaten Cebu’s economic stability and public safety within the next few years.
The Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA), led by convenor Nathaniel Chua, said that while diversification of energy sources is necessary, Cebu’s continued growth “must be supported by stable baseload power that does not compromise the safety of its communities.”
CERA reiterated its position that waste-to-energy (WTE) projects should not be relied upon as the main solution for grid stability, calling instead for “the immediate development of island-based baseload power plants.”
Waste-To-Energy Debate
CERA issued its latest statement amid renewed interest in WTE initiatives across the province. A ₱5-billion WTE project is being proposed in Barangay Guba, Cebu City, under a joint venture between the city government and New Sky Energy Philippines. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is also backing a similar facility to address mounting garbage, flooding, and landfill safety issues.
Despite these efforts, CERA argued that past WTE ventures “have failed” to deliver on energy reliability goals. The group cited the unfulfilled potential of a planned WTE plant in Barangay Binaliw, which could have reduced waste volume by 90 percent and generated around 18 megawatts (MW) of power. This could have covered roughly 12 percent of Cebu’s annual growth demand of 150 MW.
The group also urged authorities to enforce a “Public Safety First” policy for all energy and waste-management projects, including the establishment of a one-kilometer no-build zone around landfill and WTE sites to protect nearby communities.
Looming Power Crisis
In an earlier statement, CERA warned that Cebu may enter a “critical” energy phase by 2026, with supply shortfalls that could disrupt business operations and strain essential services like water pumping and fire protection.
Chua said the Department of Energy (DOE) has already flagged a “potential critical supply situation” for the Visayas in the same period, citing surging demand and insufficient new generation projects.
Cebu’s annual electricity demand is increasing by about 150 MW, already outpacing local generation capacity and forcing the island to rely on “imported” power transmitted through submarine cables from other regions. CERA called this setup “risky and unsustainable.”
“Cebu’s thin power reserve frequently dips below the 200-MW safety buffer, placing the province at risk of voltage instability,” the group warned.
Baseload Push For Energy Independence
CERA continues to advocate for island-based baseload power plants capable of delivering steady, 24-hour electricity to stabilize the grid and reduce dependency on inter-island transmission. Such facilities, the group said, are vital to ensure continuity for essential operations and business activities as Cebu’s power needs climb.
“Unlike supplementary energy projects, dedicated baseload facilities provide the steady, 24/7 power required to stabilize the grid and support essential services,” the group said.
CERA also called for a time-bound energy independence roadmap for Cebu, emphasizing that reliable local generation would strengthen resilience and help sustain the province’s economic momentum.
Sources:
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2026/01/04/2498680/cebu-facing-power-crisis