The Philippines is poised for a brownout-free summer in 2025 as the energy sector projects a stable power supply, supported by improved grid infrastructure and the cooling effects of La Niña.
Isidro Cacho Jr., head of trading operations at the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), told reporters on Tuesday that the current power outlook for Luzon, the country’s largest grid, shows no signs of red or yellow alerts.
“Based on our latest projections, we don't see any red and yellow alerts. I think that's a bit of good news. But as usual, the caveat is that there should not be any unplanned or forced outage,” Cacho said.
Luzon hit a record peak demand of 14,000 megawatts (MW) last summer due to the extreme heat brought by El Niño.
Slight increase in demand
For 2025, IEMOP data forecasts a slight increase in demand to 14,500 MW. However, the anticipated onset of La Niña could help cool temperatures, reducing air conditioning use and easing pressure on the grid.
‘Based on our latest projections, we don’t see any red and yellow alerts. I think that’s a bit of good news. But as usual, the caveat is that there should not be any unplanned or forced outage.’
Currently, Luzon has an available power supply of over 19,000 MW. Still, capacity during summer remains constrained as hydroelectric plants typically operate below full capacity.
This time, however, Cacho expressed optimism that La Niña conditions, which bring cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, would sustain water levels for hydropower generation.
Two major transmission projects
Notably, in the Visayas, two major transmission projects have strengthened energy security.
The recently completed Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kilovolt transmission project and the new Cebu-Bohol interconnection are expected to improve power flow and address supply constraints in Bohol, Negros and Panay. Maria Romero