The energy sector, through the Energy Task Force Election (ETFE) affirms its full readiness to ensure a stable and reliable power supply and adequate fuel availability nationwide with just one week remaining before the 2025 National and Local Elections. The ETFE is likewise committed to supporting the safe, orderly, and uninterrupted conduct of the elections by safeguarding the integrity of energy services throughout the voting, transmission, and canvassing periods.
Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Chair of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER), underscored in a press conference today, 05 May 2025, that the energy sector is committed to fulfill its mandate of providing secure and sufficient energy services to the Filipino people, especially during pivotal national events.
“We have taken all necessary steps to support the smooth and credible conduct of the 2025 elections. The Department of Energy (DOE), through the ETFE, stands ready to respond and coordinate with our partners to maintain uninterrupted energy access across the country,” Undersecretary Fuentebella stated.
The ETFE member agencies highlighted during today's press conference its readiness to safeguard the entire energy supply chain. Since the first quarter of the year, the task force has been holding regular coordination meetings with key industry players. These players include the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, National Power Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Independent Energy Market Operator of the Philippines, National Electrification Administration, National Transmission Corporation, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, generation companies (GenCos), distribution utilities (DUs), electric cooperatives (ECs), the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), and downstream oil industry stakeholders. During these meetings, the ETFE assesses system readiness and implements necessary contingency measures to address potential challenges within the entire energy supply chain.
Public and private energy providers conducted rigorous inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including pre-election checks of polling and canvassing centers, particularly the critical areas identified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
In off-grid and remote areas, distribution utilities under the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) carried out line maintenance activities to ensure continuous power supply. The NGCP likewise led inspections and Right-of-Way (ROW) clearing along high-voltage transmission corridors to prevent potential outages.
Additionally, the task force assessed the readiness of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems in COMELEC facilities to guarantee the continuity of critical data operations, even in the event of localized disruptions. ETFE representatives remain on standby for rapid deployment during emergencies, supported by comprehensive preparedness and contingency plans.
The energy sector remains confident in its ability to sustain reliable power delivery despite the anticipation of peak power demand before, during, and after the election period.
“We assure the public that the energy sector is fully prepared to ensure an unimpeded power supply before, during, and after the elections,” Undersecretary Fuentebella affirmed. “Contingency plans are in place, and we are in constant coordination with security agencies to help ensure a smooth and secure election process.”
The ETFE is working closely under the supervision of the Commission of Elections with the support of the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippne National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard.
The collective efforts of the ETFE member agencies, including the private sector, highlight the vital role of energy reliability in supporting the democratic process. Through close collaboration, proactive planning, and swift mobilization, the energy sector stands firmly behind COMELEC and the Filipino people in ensuring a credible and orderly 2025 election. ###