APRIL 27, 2026 — The Department of Energy (DOE) is assuring Filipinos that despite record-breaking heat and recent yellow alerts, the country’s power supply will remain stable through May — thanks to dependable capacity from aging plants, new renewable projects feeding the grid, and Meralco’s refund cushioning household bills.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said yellow alerts — signals of thin reserves — are unlikely for Luzon and Visayas if no major outages occur. The DOE is banking on the reliability of thermal plants, even as they strain under extreme temperatures. At the same time, the agency is accelerating renewable integration through its Green Energy Auction program, with the seventh round this year focusing on solar projects in Mindanao.

This push is not just about surviving the summer. Guevara warned that without new capacity in Visayas and Mindanao, supply deficits could hit by next year. 

The DOE’s broader strategy is clear: reduce dependence on fossil fuel plants prone to breakdowns and fast-track renewables. Already, five renewable energy projects adding 128.9 MW are online, part of a 1,471 MW target for April 2026.

Meralco’s role and consumer relief

Meralco, the country’s largest distributor, confirmed it has enough supply to cover the seasonal surge. While bills usually spike in summer due to air conditioning, consumers will see relief starting May. The Energy Regulatory Commission ordered Meralco to refund ₱14 billion over 12 months, translating to a credit of ₱0.2511 per kilowatt-hour.

Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga clarified that line items like the Senior Citizen subsidy, Lifeline Rate, and Feed-in-Tariff Allowance are mandated charges collected for the government — not profit for the utility. 

Interestingly, despite the heat, Meralco reported lower demand in the first four months of 2026 compared to 2025, influencing its procurement strategy. 

Lawrence Fernandez, head of utility economics, said Meralco is not seeking an extension of its 1,000-MW contract with the Sta. Rita plant expiring in June.

For ordinary households, this mix of stable supply, renewable expansion, and refunds is a rare piece of good news. It means fewer blackouts, more predictable bills, and a glimpse of a cleaner energy future. 

But will the government’s renewable energy push be fast enough to keep Filipino households safe from future power crises?

(Image: Philippine News Agency)