Visayas Power Forum brought together energy experts, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and consumers to improve public understanding of the current power supply situation and electricity pricing in the Visayas.
In line with its commitment to transparency and consumer education, Distribution Utilities under PrimElectric Holdings, Inc., Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power), together with MORE Power and Bohol Light Company, hosted the Visayas Power Forum: Grid Reliability and Electricity Price Outlook on July 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod.
The forum gathered representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), local government units, business organizations, consumer groups, and members of the media.
The event served as a platform to discuss the current condition of the Visayas Grid. It also explained the factors affecting electricity prices across the region.
Industry experts emphasized that recent increases in electricity rates are largely influenced by developments in the power generation sector. Several major power plants have remained unavailable for an extended period. At the same time, transmission limitations and reduced reserve capacity have contributed to recurring Yellow and Red Alert conditions in the Visayas Grid.
As a result, these supply constraints have pushed prices higher in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). Consequently, consumers have seen increased generation charges reflected in their monthly electricity bills.
Discussions focused on power supply and pricing
In his opening message, Niel V. Parcon, Vice President for Corporate Energy Sourcing and Commercial Affairs of PrimElectric Holdings, highlighted the importance of providing consumers with accurate and timely information about developments affecting the power industry.
He stressed that open dialogue among government agencies, regulators, industry stakeholders, and consumers is essential. According to him, these discussions help address current challenges while identifying long-term solutions.
The forum featured presentations from Joseph Ladrido of the Institute of Contemporary Economics. He discussed the economic effects of market price volatility and marginal losses.
Meanwhile, IEMOP President Engr. Robinson Descanzo presented the current power supply situation and the operational outlook for the Visayas Grid.
Director Luningning Baltazar of the DOE shared government initiatives designed to improve supply reliability. In addition, Antonette Badillo of the ERC explained regulatory measures intended to help cushion the impact of volatile electricity prices on consumers.
Encouraging transparency and informed discussions
Participants also joined an interactive open forum. Members of the media and stakeholders raised questions and exchanged insights with the panel of experts. The discussion centered on the region’s power supply outlook and electricity market conditions.
Negros Power reaffirmed that while distribution utilities deliver electricity to consumers, generation charges are determined by prevailing market conditions and the availability of power supply within the grid.
Through initiatives such as the Visayas Power Forum, the company continues to strengthen public understanding of the electric power industry. It also promotes transparency, collaboration, and informed discussions that support a more reliable and sustainable energy future for the Visayas.
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