The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said June 19 that it will conduct a formal inquiry on July 3 on the persistent power interruptions in Siquijor, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for energy agencies to immediately resolve the power situation in the island-province.
In ERC Case No. 2025-020 MC issued June 18, the Commission called on the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative Inc. (Prosielco), S.I. Power Corporation (Sipcor), and the National Power Corporation (NPC) to appear and provide explanations during a public hearing scheduled on July 3 at the ERC’s office in Pasig City.
“In calling for this public inquiry, the Commission is determined to find long-term solutions to the power reliability issues experienced by the province and ensure that contractual commitments are delivered, and services are improved moving forward,” ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said in a statement.
The Commission is also reviewing the compliance of Prosielco and Sipcor to their power supply agreements (PSAs) approved by the ERC on Dec. 17, 2012, and the interim relief granted in 2019.
The two PSAs have a combined contracted capacity of 9.5 megawatts (MW) and, based on the ERC’s records, should be sufficient to meet the peak demand in Siquijor.
The investigation was prompted by reports received by the Commission regarding frequent and prolonged power outages across Siquijor, which have disrupted economic activities and affected the welfare of residents, businesses, and tourists.
The ERC said that during a technical inspection held in May, several operational and regulatory deficiencies were observed in the generation facilities of Sipcor and the distribution lines managed by Prosielco.
These deficiencies include inadequate preventive maintenance, lack of fuel inventory, operating without required safety certifications and plant certificate of compliance, and the use of rental generators without permits.
The use of improper sectionalizing equipment and delays in infrastructure relocation on the distribution side were also noted, the ERC said.
The hearing is part of the ERC’s continuing commitment to uphold accountability, enforce compliance, and ensure that the people of Siquijor, and consumers in off-grid areas, receive reliable and quality power service, Dimalanta said. ||
