Power firm commits to address blackouts in Siquijor

MANILA, Philippines — The lone power supplier in Siquijor has assured affected consumers that critical repairs are underway to fully restore electricity on the island.

As this developed, President Marcos directed the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the power shortage in Siquijor.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos ordered an investigation into the island’s sole power supplier, Siquijor Island Power Corp.

Sipcor yesterday said it has implemented corrective measures to address the power problem at the popular tourist destination located in the Visayas.

Corrective maintenance on a key service unit added 7,550 kilowatts to the power plant’s total operating capacity, Sipcor said.

The company said another unit is undergoing assessment for maintenance, with work expected to be completed within this week.

“In the meantime, while repair is ongoing, an additional genset has been rented to cover the supply shortage and to have the power gradually restored within the week,” the company said, referring to a generator set.

Siquijor has been placed under a state of calamity due to crippling blackouts that disrupted water supply services and business operations.

“With the increasing demand brought on by the growing economic activity and growing population in the province, the area is currently experiencing a power supply deficit resulting in a rotational power outage,” Sipcor said.

The power supplier said its technical teams are working around the clock to restore electricity quickly and safely.

“This matter is our top priority and we remain fully committed to ensuring the delivery of a steady and reliable power supply in all our served areas,” Sipcor, a subsidiary of the Villar Group’s Prime Asset Ventures, said.

Sipcor is the sole energy supplier of the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative Inc. or Prosielco, the power distributor on the island.

To resolve the supply deficit, the DOE has recommended that Prosielco update its power supply procurement and distribution development plans.