The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has launched a formal inquiry into the persistent power outages in Siquijor, following reports of frequent blackouts that have disrupted daily life, businesses and tourism in the province.

In ERC Case No. 2025-020 MC issued Wednesday but only made public on Thursday, the agency summoned the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative Inc. (PROSIELCO), S.I. Power Corp. (SIPCOR), and the National Power Corp. (NPC) to a public hearing on 3 July at its main office in Pasig City.

Commitment in upholding accountability

“This hearing is part of the ERC’s continuing commitment to uphold accountability, enforce compliance, and ensure that the people of Siquijor — and consumers in our off-grid areas — receive reliable and quality power service,” ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta said.

“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,” she added.

The ERC is also reviewing PROSIELCO and SIPCOR’s compliance with their Power Supply Agreements, approved in 2012 and granted interim relief in 2019.

The two contracts cover a combined capacity of 9.5 megawatts, which the Commission said should be enough to meet the island’s peak demand.

Technical inspection

A technical inspection conducted from 4 to 8 May found several operational and regulatory lapses in both generation and distribution systems. These include poor maintenance, insufficient fuel inventory, lack of required safety certifications, and operation without plant compliance documents.

Likewise, the ERC also flagged the unauthorized use of rental generators and delays in relocating key infrastructure. Maria Romero