The Department of Energy-Mindanao (DOE) reports that Mindanao is on track for reliable electricity in 2025, supported by strong reserves and a more stable grid, even as Luzon and Visayas faced frequent supply alerts throughout 2024.
In an interview with SunStar Davao, DOE-Mindanao Senior Science Research Specialist Erick George D. Uy said Mindanao has moved past the power supply challenges that previously triggered widespread outages.
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Stable supply in 2025
Between January 1 and June 15, 2025, Mindanao consistently operated with a comfortable energy cushion. Daily power demand averaged 2,297 megawatts (MW), while supply capacity stood at 3,406 MW, providing a surplus of over 1,100 MW each day, well beyond the level that would normally raise system alerts.
Even before the national elections last May, the DOE had already ruled out any major power alerts for Mindanao for the year. According to DOE Supervising Science Research Specialist Mark Christian Marollano, the region’s relatively low electricity demand and ample reserves meant that no yellow or red alerts were expected during the election period—or for the rest of 2025.
He stated, “Mindanao has enough reserve throughout the year, that’s why in our outlook, Mindanao does not have forecasted yellow or red alert for 2025, especially during the elections.”
On June 15, Mindanao transferred 389 MW of surplus electricity to the Visayas via the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link. This ability to share power without straining local supply reflects recent strides in generation capacity, energy diversification, and grid modernization, according to DOE-Mindanao.
Mindanao’s power system now delivers 4,020 MW in dependable capacity, backed by a total installed capacity of 4,615 MW. Coal-fired plants continue to dominate the energy mix, supplying 2,041 MW, or just over half of the reliable output.
Oil-based generation contributes 708 MW, making up 17.6%, while renewable energy provides 1,271 MW, accounting for nearly a third of the dependable capacity. Within the renewable sector, hydropower plays the largest role at 1,059 MW, with the remainder sourced from solar, geothermal, and biomass facilities.
Mindanao’s power supply is set to grow with over 590 MW of additional capacity in the pipeline, spanning coal, oil, hydro, and solar sources. The region is also ramping up battery storage, including the operational 20 MW Tagum battery energy storage system (BESS) and 228 MW under development.
The 2.4 MW Apo Agua Hydroelectric Plant, now complete, is expected to begin commercial operations by September 2025, further supporting Mindanao’s shift to renewable energy.
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Supporting Mindanao’s growth
Visayas and Mindanao have become key contributors to the country’s expanding economy, with major industries in both regions driving significant gains. As development deepens and demand scales up, the pressure mounts on the energy sector to deliver reliable, long-term support for sustained regional growth.
Professor Rowaldo “Wali” Del Mundo, associate dean at UP Diliman’s College of Engineering, highlighted Mindanao’s geographic and agricultural strengths as key to its economic potential.
He noted that by building more agro-industrial processing facilities within the region, Mindanao can generate higher value from its agrarian output, boost employment, and contribute more significantly to national income, much like Vietnam’s rise through integrated rural development.
The conversation also raised concerns over the persistent poverty among farmers and fisherfolk in Visayas and Mindanao, despite the regions’ strong agricultural output. DOE Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro pointed to limited energy access as a key barrier. “These are in areas that are unfortunately less electrified, less energized,” he explained. “We need to be able to have a better planning and forecasting of our energy requirements attuned to the realities of our economic growth [and] in our inherent ability to deliver agricultural productivity.”
Additionally, Montenegro recalled that a decade ago, Mindanao suffered nearly ₱2 billion in losses due to severe power shortages. At the time, a supply gap of 300 to 400 MW led to prolonged outages—up to 13 hours in Zamboanga and General Santos, several hours in other cities—disrupting daily operations and stalling the region’s economic momentum.
Although Mindanao enjoys stable power this year, complacency is not an option. Sustaining growth will require long-term planning, continuous investment, and a proactive approach to energy development. As the region’s economy expands, its progress must be matched by a resilient and future-ready power system.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/mindanao-power-supply-stable-throughout-2025
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1248385
https://www.rappler.com/brandrap/status-energy-security-visayas-mindanao/
