The Department of Energy (DOE) is calling for increased private sector involvement in the development of microgrid facilities in over 200 underserved areas in the Philippines, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of such investments.
In a recent speech at the Microgrid System Provider (MGSP) Investment Forum in Manila, DOE undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara emphasized that microgrid solutions are key to achieving full electrification in the country, where roughly 7 percent of the population still lacks access to electricity, especially in Mindanao, which has an electrification rate of just over 70 percent.
Guevara noted that the ongoing competitive selection process for microgrid providers (MGSP-CSP) is already making progress, with the Maharika Consortium set to bring reliable 24-hour electricity to 3,106 households in remote areas of Cebu, Quezon, and Palawan. The second round of auctions, which covers 41 additional unserved regions, is now underway.
Despite the challenges of financing and implementing microgrid projects, particularly in rural areas, Guevara stressed the broader economic, social, and environmental benefits. Microgrids not only offer localized power solutions but also drive economic resilience, reduce carbon emissions, and improve quality of life.
With the global energy transition intensifying, the DOE views microgrid infrastructure as a crucial component of both energy security and sustainable development, calling on private investors to seize the opportunities.
