The Department of Energy (DOE) is ensuring a stable power supply in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections. The agency has activated the Energy Task Force Election, working with the Commission on Elections and the Department of National Defense to safeguard election integrity through resilient energy systems. This task force will focus on providing reliable power and backup sources while addressing vulnerabilities in key facilities across the country.
In a separate initiative, the DOE is set to release the terms of reference (TOR) for the Green Energy Auction (GEA-4) program, which will include solar power plants with integrated battery storage systems. The agency has excluded liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities from the auction, citing sufficient LNG plants already in operation. This move aligns with the country’s push for renewable energy (RE) development.
Further, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla announced plans for a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to review the challenges facing the country’s electrification program. With the goal of achieving 100 percent electrification by 2028, Lotilla highlighted the need for increased funding, currently falling short at P2-3 billion annually, compared to the required P25 billion. The electrification rate stands at around 92-93 percent, with Mindanao lagging behind at just over 70 percent.
