The Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP) said Thursday it acknowledges the plight of over 116,000 residents of Samal Island in Davao Del Norte, who have been grappling with severe and continuous power outages.
CERP, a new energy think thank launched early this year, asked the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (NORDECO) to immediately address the power supply deficiencies in Samal Island, which has been persistent since 2016.
CERP convernors Noel Baga and Dr. Joey Ocon, the convenors of CERP, cited the urgent need for implementing vital projects, such as grid interconnections, to enhance resilience and minimize the impact of unforeseen events.
The group said in a statement Samal residents have endured frequent power outages of up to four to five times a day and high electricity prices of as much as P19 per kilowatt-hour.
They said the power disruptions had inflicted substantial economic setbacks on the island, renowned for its picturesque beaches, scenic islets and bat-filled caves.
CERP echoed the sentiments of Senators Christopher Go, Francis Tolentino and Ronald dela Rosa in urging a legislative investigation into the persistent power supply issues plaguing Samal Island and congressional review to evaluate NORDECO’s capacity to deliver a stable and dependable power supply to Samal Island’s residents.
CERP said the recurrent power outages in Samal Island highlight broader systemic challenges within the national power infrastructure, and it is crucial to invest in strengthening generation, transmission, and distribution networks, especially in the islands.
“Given the crucial role of distribution utilities, they must be well-equipped to handle the present challenges of their franchise areas and in planning and implementing projects for the future,” it said.
