Visayas growth hinges on power modernization

The Visayas is poised for stronger economic growth if businesses and energy stakeholders can modernize power systems and improve energy efficiency amid rising demand, Schneider Electric said.

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology company, said the region is emerging as a major economic hub, prompting local businesses to seek ways to scale sustainably and operate more efficiently.

The company said it is supporting this shift through a dual approach that addresses supply-side infrastructure upgrades and demand-side digital energy management.

On the supply side, Schneider Electric said it works with power generation and distribution partners to modernize facilities.

On the demand side, the company said it helps businesses reduce energy waste through smart and efficient solutions.

Schneider Electric said its end-to-end approach combines its EcoStruxure™ platform for power generation and distribution modernization with demand-side tools such as Energy and Power Management Systems, or EPMS, to optimize energy use, cut costs, and improve stability across the region.

The company cited last year’s dry season peak in March and April, when electricity prices in the Visayas surged to PHP 6.40 per kilowatt-hour from PHP 4.39 per kilowatt-hour.

The price increase came as planned and forced outages coincided with higher seasonal demand, prompting yellow alerts.

During the same period, demand in the Visayas rose by 5.9 percent as extreme heat drove increased consumption and supply tightened because of plant outages.

This 2026, the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines warned that the Visayas would continue to face power constraints and remain the most vulnerable grid because of its heavy reliance on electricity imports from Luzon and Mindanao.

IEMOP said the region’s dependence on power imports exposes it to risks from forced outages and limited reserve capacity, underscoring the need for modernization and smarter energy management solutions.

“We need to make the energy system work smarter from end-to-end. This means intelligent operations and building more capacity for power generation and distribution, and at the same time looking at how energy is managed, delivered, and used across the board,” says Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines.

“That’s how we can support the Visayas so it can continue to grow, without compromising reliability or affordability.”

Schneider Electric said its EcoStruxure™ platform integrates hardware and software to improve operational efficiency, data integrity, cybersecurity, and safety.

The company said the platform enables real-time monitoring, reduces downtime, and supports faster, data-driven decisions, making generation systems more reliable, resilient, and future-ready.

For businesses, Schneider Electric said EPMS gives operators visibility and control over energy consumption across facilities.

The company said these systems can automate lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or HVAC, helping identify inefficiencies and reduce waste.

For industrial users, Schneider Electric said variable frequency drives and soft starters can improve the performance of heavy machinery while lowering electricity use and operational costs.

The company said adopting an end-to-end approach to energy management can help local businesses reduce energy costs, meet sustainability targets, and increase operational efficiency.

Schneider Electric said these improvements could make businesses more competitive while contributing to a more stable energy landscape in the Visayas.

As investments and developments continue to pour into the Visayas and other parts of the country, Schneider Electric called for stronger collaboration among energy producers, local governments, and communities.

“Our focus is to help more industries build reliable energy systems that drive long-term progress and national development,” Catane adds.