Mindanao's power supply remained stable through late April 2026, even as electricity demand hit its highest level so far this year, based on the latest demand-supply outlook released by the Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-Mindanao). The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that the region reached a year-to-date peak demand of 2,744 megawatts (MW) on April 23, yet the grid maintained a functional cushion with available capacity consistently above 3,300 MW.
Supply Margins Stay Healthy
From January 1 to April 26, the grid recorded an average available capacity of 3,351 MW, well above the average demand of 2,382 MW, resulting in an average reserve of 969 MW — a buffer considered sufficient to cover fluctuations and potential plant outages. Daily figures further reflected grid resilience. On April 23, when demand peaked, available capacity stood at 3,522 MW, leaving a 778 MW reserve. Reserves improved in the following days, reaching 1,049 MW on April 25 and 1,010 MW on April 26.
Generation and Distribution Updates
Generation output also followed demand trends, peaking at 63,043 megawatt-hours (MWh) on April 23 before easing slightly over the weekend, consistent with normal consumption patterns. The sustained supply surplus aligns with earlier reports noting stable operations among distribution utilities such as Davao Light from March to April 2026, indicating that generation and transmission capacity have so far kept pace with rising demand.
On the distribution side, Davao Light and Power Co. announced on April 12 a slight rate reduction for the April 12 to May 11, 2026 billing period, lowering residential rates by ₱0.10 per kWh to ₱10.53/kWh. However, rates remain elevated due to high market-driven generation costs following a March increase. Supply conditions remain stable, with the Samal interconnection now operational.
Transmission Charges and Ancillary Services
Meanwhile, NGCP reported higher transmission charges reflected in April bills. The average transmission rate for the March 2026 billing period rose by 4.26 percent to ₱1.7526 per kWh from ₱1.6810 per kWh in February, driven mainly by increased ancillary service (AS) costs. NGCP said these are pass-through charges remitted directly to power generators and market operators.
“As the system operator, NGCP’s priority is to ensure the grid remains resilient during supply-demand imbalances. NGCP does not profit from AS charges, as these are remitted directly to the providers who help us maintain the continuous flow of electricity across the country,” it said.
