Energy Department curbs electricity supply amid power shortage in Palawan
Energy Precautions Ahead of May 12, 2025 Elections
The Department of Energy (DOE) is on high alert to guarantee uninterrupted power supply during the much-anticipated elections on May 12, 2025. DOE Supervising Science Research Specialist Engr. Mark Christian Marollano announced at a press conference held at the AboitizPower headquarters in Taguig City on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, that numerous entities have committed to maintaining the energy sector's operation throughout the election period.
Marollano pointed out the critical period for power stability during canvassing and transmission of election results.
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Demand for electricity is expected to soar during the election day due to holidays.
Marollano mentioned that according to DOE's contingency planning, there's a possibility of a yellow alert status in May due to temperature spikes, power supply shortages, and increased power demand for the elections.
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A yellow alert status signifies that the power supply system is under stress but no brownouts have occurred yet. however, it doesn't signal the initiation of more rigorous actions such as rotating blackouts or load shedding.
Marollano informed that the constraints in power supply are due to delayed construction and development of two power plants in Batangas and Leyte, which would ordinarily have provided 2,500 megawatts of power but are currently limited to 1,200 megawatts.
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The Energy Task Force for Elections closely monitors these developments to ensure a stable power supply up until the elections.
"All sectors-generation, transmission, distribution-are on board and are closely monitoring all activities to ensure there will be no problems this coming election," Marollano stated.
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The DOE also kept tabs on other distribution utilities to safeguard critical infrastructure used by the Commission on Elections, especially polling centers nationwide. On Tuesday, April 22, the Visayan Electric Company carried out inspections on 244 out of 254 voting centers, including all canvassing centers and the technical hub.
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- In preparedness for the 2025 elections, the Department of Energy (DOE) is monitoring the power supply system closely to ensure it remains stable and available for the election day, particularly during the critical periods of canvassing and transmission of results.
- A yellow alert status might be observed in May 2025 due to increased power demand, power supply shortages, and potential temperature spikes, as per DOE's contingency planning.
- The Visayan Electric Company, among various distribution utilities under observation by the DOE, has carried out inspections on at least 244 polling centers and all canvassing centers nationwide, ensuring the safety and proper functioning of the critical infrastructure used by the Commission on Elections.
- To address power supply constraints caused by delayed construction and development of two power plants in Batangas and Leyte, responsible entities have committed to maintaining the energy sector's operation throughout the election period, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply for the industry, finance, and general public during the upcoming 2025 elections.
