DOE Ensures Reliable Power for 2025 Philippine Elections

With less than a week before the May 13 National and Local Elections, the Department of Energy (DOE) has mobilized the entire energy sector to guarantee uninterrupted power and fuel supply across the Philippines, ensuring a smooth and credible democratic process.

Spearheaded by the Energy Task Force Election (ETFE), the DOE said it has implemented contingency measures to protect the integrity of energy infrastructure and services before, during, and after the polls.

“We have taken all necessary steps to support the smooth and credible conduct of the 2025 elections,” said Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, who also chairs the Task Force on Energy Resiliency. “The DOE, through the ETFE, stands ready to respond and coordinate with our partners to maintain uninterrupted energy access across the country.”

Since early 2024, the ETFE has held regular meetings with public and private stakeholders across the energy supply chain, including the National Power Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), power generation companies (GenCos), distribution utilities (DUs), electric cooperatives (ECs), and the downstream oil industry.

These collaborations have led to nationwide inspections and preventive maintenance of transmission lines, substations, and backup systems, especially in critical voting and canvassing centers identified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

In off-grid and remote areas, DOE’s Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) carried out targeted repairs and upgrades to ensure continued electricity access in areas traditionally vulnerable to outages.

NGCP also completed clearing operations along high-voltage corridors, removing vegetation and obstructions that could trigger blackouts.

Additionally, the task force reviewed the readiness of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems at COMELEC facilities to ensure continuity in case of localized disruptions or power surges during vote transmission and canvassing.

Fuentebella assured the public that contingency plans are in place, and task force personnel are on standby for immediate deployment during emergencies.

“We assure the public that the energy sector is fully prepared to ensure an unimpeded power supply before, during, and after the elections,” he said.

In a related move, Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla directed NGCP, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), ECs, and DUs to remove illegally placed campaign materials attached to power poles and electrical wires.

These directives align with Republic Act No. 11361, or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, which prohibits structures, trees, and objects that threaten energy infrastructure and public safety.

“The delivery of stable and reliable electricity is a national priority, especially during elections when the democratic process relies heavily on uninterrupted power,” Lotilla said.

He warned that campaign materials affixed to live wires or near power poles pose risks of electrocution, fire, and operational failure.

The DOE also called on all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to follow COMELEC’s campaign rules and avoid endangering the energy system.

The agency said it continues to coordinate with the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard to secure energy sites and safeguard election operations.

With power demand expected to peak during the electoral period, energy officials expressed confidence that all necessary preparations will support a peaceful and orderly vote.