Philippines’ DOE starts selection for microgrid service providers

Over 98 unserved and underserved areas are prioritised for the process.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has started the first round of its competitive selection process (CSP) for microgrid service providers (MGSP) for 98 unserved and underserved areas around the country.

Through the released invitation to bid, the energy bureau works to provide over 98 identified areas, which have a total of 15,645 households, around 39% that may be feasible for microgrid systems, based on the population demand and household density.

The Microgrid Systems Act of 2022 authorises the completion of a CSP before an MGSP can serve as a supplier in off-grid areas. DOE will then issue a 90-day timeline to complete pre-qualification before submission to the Energy Regulatory Commission.

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“We are committed to working closely with the relevant agencies to ensure that the CSP proceeds as smoothly as possible. Our primary goal is to expedite the delivery of reliable and sustainable electricity services in all areas not only through microgrid systems but other appropriate solutions depending on the area's characteristics,” Rowena Cristina Guevara, Undersecretary of DOE, stated.

Currently, DOE has classified 407 areas wherein 285 are unserved with 20,103 households, whilst 122 are underserved with 20,207 households, all of which have strong demand for electric services.