CERA pushes for grid upgrades after quake disrupts power supply

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA) has urged the government and the energy sector to accelerate upgrades to the Philippines’ power infrastructure following a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that disrupted electricity supply across Central and Eastern Visayas.

The tremor triggered widespread outages that paralyzed hospitals, water districts and other critical facilities across Cebu province and neighboring areas.

According to an October 1 report by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), about 472,513 consumer connections were affected, with five electric cooperatives experiencing partial interruptions and one—SAMELCO I—suffering a total outage.

Restoration efforts have progressed steadily. By October 4, only 30,455 connections remained without electricity. The Cebu Electric Cooperative II (CEBECO II) was among the hardest hit, reporting that 60 per cent of its franchise area was without or had limited power as of October 2. Two days later, the utility had restored service to 99 per cent of its coverage area.

The earthquake also prompted the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to issue a Yellow Alert on October 11 after 11 power plants went offline and three others operated at reduced capacity. The alert, indicating thin reserves in the grid, was lifted later that evening once additional capacity returned.

The disruptions highlight the structural fragility of the country’s power grid, which remains highly susceptible to natural disasters and supply constraints.

Energy advocates warn that the recurring issuance of Yellow Alerts reflects the system’s insufficient reserves and its heavy reliance on imported power transmitted through the Visayas grid.

Submarine cables linking islands remain particularly at risk from earthquakes and typhoons—failures that could escalate to Red Alert status and lead to prolonged brownouts, CERA said.

“The Philippines’ exposure to frequent natural disasters demands a resilient and disaster-ready energy system,” CERA said in a statement.

“We urge the Cebu Energy Task Force to reassess the impact of earthquakes and aftershocks on supply stability and to prioritize a long-term energy resilience plan,” it added.

The group also called on the Department of Energy (DOE) and local governments to fast-track local power projects and promote self-sufficient energy sources to reduce dependence on imported electricity.

“Energy justice requires that no community be left powerless in times of crisis,” CERA noted, stressing that lessons from past calamities should drive investment in a grid capable of withstanding the realities of a disaster-prone nation.