ICSC: Visayas grid alert spotlights persistent issues in the Philippine power sector
Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities [REACTIVE] ICSC: Visayas grid alert spotlights persistent issues in the Philippine power sector QUEZON CITY, 21 January 2026 –– In response to the yellow alert raised over the Visayas grid yesterday, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) highlights a persistent and highly alarming issue in the Philippine power sector: the occurrence of supply shortages even during periods of low electricity demand. Despite being in the cool season, when demand is typically lower, the Visayas grid continues to experience reliability problems driven largely by unplanned outages among baseload power plants, particularly coal-fired [...]
Low-hanging fruit: Quick ways to generate clean, reliable power [Inquirer.net]
by Pete Maniego | December 29, 2025| Published by Philippine Daily Inquirer | READ THE STORY HERE MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines cannot seem to graduate from its long history of power outages. From the crippling brownouts of the 1990s to today’s recurring alerts of thin reserves, energy insecurity remains a persistent reality. Every dry season brings the same headlines: soaring demand, unplanned shutdowns, and looming threats of rotational blackouts. The challenge before us is twofold — meeting rapidly rising electricity demand while accelerating the shift to renewable energy. While long-term, large-scale projects are vital, there are low-hanging [...]
Rethinking the ASEAN power grid [Inquirer.net]
by Pete Maniego | December 18, 2025| Published by Philippine Daily Inquirer| READ THE STORY HERE The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Power Grid or APG promises a regionally interconnected electricity market by 2045—one that can strengthen energy security and accelerate decarbonization across Southeast Asia. But as the region confronts intensifying climate risks, slow- moving transmission projects, and massive financial requirements, it is time to rethink how interconnection should proceed. A more pragmatic, phased approach—one that fortifies domestic grids and expands distributed renewable energy first-may deliver faster returns, greater resilience, and more equitable access. We cannot [...]
The smarter energy path for Filipinos [Inquirer.net]
by Pete Maniego | December 12, 2025| Published by Philippine Daily Inquirer | READ THE STORY HERE The renewed pitch for nuclear power is seductive: one massive facility promising enormous output, low operating emissions, and the prestige of innovative technology. But beneath this polished promise lies a harder truth. For the Philippines—with our existing grid conditions, oversupplies, ambitious renewable energy goals, and abundant indigenous resources—nuclear is not just unnecessary. It may, in fact, derail the very progress we urgently need. Excess capacity—not scarcity—defines our grid. Contrary to claims that our grid is on the verge of collapse, [...]
The Road to Renewables: Turning Vision into Local Action
By Mel Matthew Doctor Note: Mel currently serves as the Senior Campaign Officer for Energy Policy at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, and was acting project lead of the 2025 Road to Renewables: Conversations on Energy Transition Roadshow. During one of the focus group discussions in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, one participant said, “Energy is not just about power—it is about opportunity, resilience, and the future we choose to build for our communities.” This quote struck me during the roadshow because the energy transition is not just policy—it is about real change in people’s lives. Across the [...]