Speaker urges MIC to invest in NGCP to address Panay blackouts

Speaker Martin Romualdez urged the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) to consider investing in National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) amid widespread power outages in Panay Island.

Romualdez stated that MIC's strategic investment could provide essential capital for infrastructure upgrades and help lower electricity costs for consumers, noting that unscheduled maintenance shutdowns at different power plants caused recent disruptions since January 2.

The Speaker also highlighted potential benefits such as improved efficiency, economic growth, enhanced energy security, support for renewable energy integration, and increased accountability in NGCP’s operations.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has expressed strong concerns over NGCP's alleged inaction regarding persistent blackouts affecting Western Visayas.

Romualdez urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and NGCP to investigate the cause of power outages thoroughly to prevent future disruptions, emphasizing the need for decisive action and effective collaboration among relevant agencies including the Department of Energy (DOE).

MIC President Rafael Consing endorsed Romualdez's proposal, noting that investing in NGCP would strengthen the country’s energy sector and promote economic growth.

The House Committee on Energy is scheduled to meet on January 11 at 9:30 a.m. to tackle the power outages in Panay.