Negros Power forum tackles Visayas supply, electricity prices

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

BACOLOD CITY — Prolonged power plant outages, transmission limitations, and reduced reserve capacity have tightened electricity supply in the Visayas and pushed wholesale prices higher, energy industry experts said during a regional forum in Bacolod City.

Negros Electric and Power Corp., or Negros Power, hosted the Visayas Power Forum: Grid Reliability and Electricity Price Outlook on July 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod.

The event was organized with MORE Power and Bohol Light Co., which are distribution utilities under PrimElectric Holdings Inc., as part of their consumer education and transparency initiatives.

Representatives from the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, local government units, business organizations, consumer groups, and the media attended the forum.

The discussions focused on the condition of the Visayas power grid and the factors affecting electricity prices across the region.

Industry experts said recent electricity rate increases were largely driven by developments in the power generation sector.

The prolonged unavailability of several major power plants, combined with transmission constraints and lower reserve capacity, has contributed to recurring yellow and red alert conditions in the Visayas grid.

The resulting supply constraints have raised prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, leading to higher generation charges reflected in consumers’ monthly electricity bills.

The WESM is the country’s venue for trading electricity, where prices are governed by market forces and locational pricing reflects transmission losses and congestion. The Visayas grid began commercial operations in the market on Dec. 26, 2010.

The supply concerns discussed at the forum followed severe grid constraints in May, when widespread plant outages and transmission problems prompted red alerts in the Visayas and warnings of extended power interruptions.

Niel V. Parcon, vice president for corporate energy sourcing and commercial affairs of PrimElectric Holdings, said in his opening message that consumers need accurate and timely information about developments affecting the power industry.

Parcon also emphasized the importance of open dialogue among government agencies, regulators, industry stakeholders, and consumers in addressing immediate challenges and identifying long-term solutions.

Joseph Ladrido of the Institute of Contemporary Economics discussed the economic effects of electricity market price volatility and marginal losses.

IEMOP President Robinson Descanzo presented the current power supply situation and the operational outlook for the Visayas grid.

DOE Director Luningning Baltazar outlined government initiatives intended to improve the reliability of the region’s electricity supply.

Antonette Badillo of the ERC discussed regulatory measures aimed at cushioning consumers from the effects of volatile electricity prices.

Members of the media and other stakeholders also joined an interactive open forum, where they raised questions and exchanged insights with the panel about the region’s power supply outlook and electricity market conditions.

Negros Power said distribution utilities are responsible for delivering electricity to consumers, while generation charges are determined by prevailing market conditions and the availability of power within the grid.

The company said initiatives such as the Visayas Power Forum are intended to improve public understanding of the electric power industry and promote transparency, collaboration, and informed discussion.

Negros Power said these efforts support the broader goal of building a more reliable and sustainable energy future for the Visayas.