DESPITE frequent Red and Yellow Alerts in Luzon and Visayas in 2024, Mindanao is expected to remain free from major power supply disruptions throughout 2025, due to a consistent energy surplus and improved grid reliability, according to the Department of Energy-Mindanao (DOE-Mindanao).
DOE-Mindanao Senior Science Research Specialist Erick George D. Uy told SunStar Davao in an interview that the region is no longer facing the supply issues that once caused widespread power interruptions in the previous years. Uy spoke during the “Project Likas-Kaya: An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Energy” forum organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Davao on June 19, 2025.
“Our power situation has drastically improved. The grid is stable and can handle isolated disturbances without affecting the overall operations,” Uy said in a mixed language, noting that interruptions are isolated and mostly caused by environmental factors.
From January 1 to June 15, 2025, Mindanao’s average power demand was recorded at 2,297 megawatts (MW), while the available capacity reached 3,406 MW. This leaves the island with a daily reserve of 1,110 MW, far above the threshold that triggers power alerts.
On June 15 alone, 389 MW of excess power was exported to the Visayas grid through the Mindanao-Visayas High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link.
The strong power outlook has allowed Mindanao to support other regions without compromising its energy stability.
DOE-Mindanao noted that this surplus is the result of expanded generation capacity, diversified power sources, and improved grid infrastructure.
Mindanao now has a dependable capacity of 4,020 MW and an installed capacity of 4,615 MW. Coal remains the dominant energy source at 2,041 MW, making up 50.8 percent of the dependable capacity.
Oil-based sources contribute 708 MW, or 17.6 percent, while renewable energy accounts for 1,271 MW or 31.6 percent of the dependable supply.
Hydropower leads among renewables with 1,059 MW, while the rest comes from solar, geothermal, and biomass.
New power projects are expected to further boost the region’s energy reliability. A total of 591.169 MW in committed capacity is in the pipeline, including 270 MW from coal, 56 MW from oil, 79.804 MW from hydropower, and 185.365 MW from solar energy projects. To enhance energy stability and flexibility, Mindanao is also expanding its battery energy storage systems (ESS), with a total of 228 MW under development. Among these is the 20 MW Tagum BESS, already operational in Davao Region.
Additionally, the region is set to benefit from the 2.424 MW Apo Agua Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has completed construction and is expected to begin commercial operations by September 2025. This project is seen as a major contributor to the region’s long-term renewable energy goals.
Mindanao’s energy market has also become more efficient and competitive with the launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in the region on January 26, 2023. The WESM allows generators and distributors to buy and sell electricity in real time, helping manage supply and demand more effectively.
In contrast, Luzon and Visayas continue to face serious grid challenges. During the summer months of 2024, extreme temperatures caused by the El Niño phenomenon significantly increased electricity consumption in both regions. According to DOE data, Luzon reached a record-high peak demand of 14,016 MW on April 24, 2024, surpassing its projected peak of 13,917 MW for that year.
From April 16 to May 23, 2024, Luzon experienced six Red Alerts and 20 Yellow Alerts, while the Visayas grid recorded seven Red Alerts and 20 Yellow Alerts. During the same period in 2024, Mindanao had only two Yellow Alerts on April 24 and 26 and did not experience any actual power interruptions. DEF