DOE monitoring other areas after Siquijor power woes

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin said the recent revocation of Siquijor Island Power Corp.’s (Sipcor) permit to operate should serve as a warning to investors. Garin told reporters the government will not bat an eye at replacing erring utilities.

“If you want to do business in a public utility, then you should abide by your commitments,” she added.

“If you can’t, then we will find a way to replace that developer or that generation company or any type of business because that is not acceptable for the president,” Garin added.

Last week, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ordered Sipcor to cease its power supply operations as residents and businesses there continued to face power interruptions.

The ERC said only 4.9 megawatts (MW) of Sipcor’s installed capacity had been available—not enough to meet the peak demand of 9.205 MW.

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Garin said the DOE was closely monitoring other areas, including the Camotes Islands in Cebu, Masbate, Catanduanes and Camiguin.

The review, she said, would be conducted within this year.