• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the development of electricity distribution systems within PEZA economic zones.
The agreement was signed on Sept. 1 by PEZA Director General Tereso Panga and PHI president and chief executive officer Roel Castro, marking a strategic step by the agency to strengthen the power infrastructure supporting its economic zones.
Under the MOU, PEZA will identify priority economic zones for further study while PHI will conduct feasibility assessments and evaluate the operational viability of establishing power distribution systems in the selected areas.
PHI will bring its experience in electricity distribution through its affiliated utilities, including MORE Electric and Power Corporation, Negros Electric and Power Corporation, and Bohol Light Company, Inc.
The partnership is expected to help PEZA ensure that its economic zones have reliable power infrastructure to support existing and prospective investors, particularly as stable electricity supply remains a major consideration for businesses locating in the country.
PEZA said pursuing distribution partnerships while economic zones are still in their early stages of development could help address power requirements ahead of investor commitments and support the development of zones capable of accommodating new investments and industrial expansion.
The initiative also aligns with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priorities on energy security and improving the ease of doing business.
“Energy reliability is no longer just a utility concern—it is an investment concern,” Panga said.
He added that working with an experienced electricity distributor such as Primelectric would not only strengthen power reliability within PEZA zones but also contribute to the broader goal of building a more resilient and dependable power system across the country.
“We want investors to know that by the time they are ready to commit, power will be one less question they need to ask,” Panga said. | GPB
