CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has officially established the pioneering “Power Alliance” initiative aimed at tackling the escalating energy demands of one of Cebu.
This move comes as Cebu experiences rapid industrial and commercial expansion, underscoring the need for collaborative strategies to ensure energy security and sustained economic growth.
“We're looking into expanding our Power Committee through this alliance to support sustainable economic growth with improved coordination between business stakeholders and energy sector partners,” said CCCI President Jay Yuvallos.
“As businesses expand and new industries emerge, ensuring reliable and affordable power becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining competitiveness.”
According to Department of Energy (DOE) data, Cebu’s current energy demand stands at 1,223 megawatt (MW) surpassing its local generation capacity of 1,123 MW—resulting in a 100 MW deficit. This highlights two key challenges— the urgent need to boost local power generation capacity and reliance on the broader Visayas transmission network, including interconnections with Luzon (via Leyte) and Mindanao.
The DOE projects Cebu’s peak demand to rise to 1,400 MW by 2026, reflecting the island’s rapid economic growth. Across the Visayas region, demand is expected to increase from 2,464 MW in 2023 to 10,678 MW by 2050, underscoring the need for long-term energy solutions.
The Power Alliance aims to create a platform where businesses, power providers, and stakeholders can collaborate to address these challenges.
According to Yuvallos, this initiative will focus on—Expanding embedded generation capacity; Enhancing transmission infrastructure; Promoting reliable and affordable electricity to support business growth.
“With nearly 700 members, predominantly MSMEs, the Chamber recognizes the critical role energy plays in enabling business success,” Yuvallos explained.
“Reliable power infrastructure is fundamental to sustaining growth in key sectors like manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and IT-BPM,” he added.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) estimates that reliable electricity infrastructure could help lift 200,000 Cebuanos out of poverty, showcasing the broader impact of energy security on the region’s social and economic development.
“Our goal is not just to support business expansion but to contribute to the overall development of Cebu,” noted Yuvallos adding that this move reflects our commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory for the province.”
Through the Power Alliance, CCCI is set to play a vital role in addressing Cebu’s energy challenges, ensuring that the province remains a competitive and attractive destination for investments.