Bishop seeks clean energy roadmap amid Visayas power woes

San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza calls the recurring brownouts in the Visayas a “systemic warning,” urging energy stakeholders to pursue grid modernization and renewable energy instead of greater dependence on fossil fuels. (Photo courtesy of San Carlos Diocese) BACOLOD CITY — San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza on Monday described the recurring brownouts across the Visayas as a “systemic warning,” urging power sector stakeholders to reform the region’s energy system instead of returning to fossil fuel dependence. In a Facebook post, Alminaza said the continuing power interruptions were severely affecting hospitals, schools, businesses and families. READ: Visayas grid remains vulnerable to brownouts Article continues after this advertisement He opposed suggestions to build more coal-fired or liquefied natural gas power plants in Negros to address the power shortage, warning that such decisions could lock communities into decades of volatile fuel prices, pollution and carbon emissions. Alminaza said the power crisis stemmed from deeper problems, including inadequate reserve margins, prolonged plant outages, transmission bottlenecks, weak inter-island grid connectivity and regulatory delays. The prelate said the real challenge is to build renewable energy, reliability, affordability, and energy security at the same time, adding that clean energy and grid stability should not be treated as opposing choices. To address these vulnerabilities, Alminaza proposed creating a Negros Energy Resilience and Just Transition Roadmap. He called on the provincial government, led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, to convene key stakeholders within the next three months. Article continues after this advertisement The proposed multisectoral group would include representatives from the Department of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, power utilities, local governments, civil society, and consumer groups. Alminaza said the roadmap should establish clear priorities and responsibilities to improve grid stability while ensuring long-term sustainability. Article continues after this advertisement Proposed measures include transparent public assessments of plant outages and grid risks, as well as rapid resilience measures such as solar-plus-storage backup systems for critical facilities, including hospitals and water systems, within the next 12 to 24 months. READ: House probe sought over Visayas power woes The plan also calls for expanding distributed clean energy resources, coordinating long-term transmission upgrades and establishing safeguards to protect consumers and vulnerable communities during the energy transition. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. Alminaza said the current power shortages should catalyze grid modernization and clean energy expansion, not return to greater dependence on fossil fuels./coa