The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) have begun implementing a diesel supply support program aimed at keeping electricity stable and affordable in off-grid and remote communities served by the NPC-Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG).
In a statement, the DOE said the initiative is being carried out under the government’s Emergency Energy Security Program, which authorizes the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to sell up to 45 million liters of government-procured diesel at ₱80 per liter over the next three months.
The diesel supply will be offered to new power providers and microgrid system providers operating in missionary areas and other communities that are not connected to the main power grid.
The DOE said the measure supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Executive Order No. 110 and the UPLIFT framework, both of which seek to ensure continuous and affordable electricity in provinces and island communities that remain dependent on diesel-fired power generation.
Among the areas expected to benefit from the program are Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Catanduanes, Masbate, Siquijor, and other off-grid locations.
The agency noted that these areas remain highly exposed to fuel price movements and possible supply disruptions because of their reliance on diesel generation.
According to the DOE, the strategic fuel support is intended to help prevent power interruptions in off-grid communities while allowing power providers to better manage their fuel requirements in the coming months.