The Department of Energy (DOE) said the government is taking immediate steps to ensure a steady power supply in Catanduanes amid ongoing challenges faced by local power provider Sunwest Water and Electric Co. (Suweco).
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the company has been struggling due to rising fuel costs and operational issues affecting its diesel-powered plants. In response, the DOE is working closely with the National Power Corp. and the Philippine National Oil Co. – Exploration Corp. to secure and deliver enough fuel to keep operations running.
Suweco currently has fuel good for about one week, with more deliveries being arranged to avoid outages. The government is also helping coordinate fuel logistics and support services to maintain uninterrupted electricity.
Financial assistance is also being provided through the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME), with funds already available to help ease operational costs and ensure continued service.
The DOE said these efforts aim to prevent power interruptions caused by fluctuating global oil prices. In the long term, the agency is also working on improving the province’s power system through facility upgrades, better supply agreements, and new energy projects.
Catanduanes’ power distribution is handled by the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, which serves over 42,000 consumers across the province.
