Busuanga Island, once plagued by frequent brownouts lasting 4 to 6 hours daily, faced significant challenges in sustaining economic activity and development. However, since the entry of Calamian Islands Power Corporation (CIPC) in 2013, the island has experienced a reliable power supply, which has acted as a catalyst for growth, particularly in tourism and local industries.
Yet, with the rapid economic expansion of the area, energy demand has surged, highlighting the need for additional power capacity to continue supporting growth.
To sustain this momentum, Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BISELCO) has recently signed a new 15-year power supply agreement (PSA) with Vivant Energy’s CIPC. This new deal, building on their long-standing partnership that began in 2011, ensures a contracted capacity of 24 MW for both Busuanga and Coron. The agreement guarantees that homes will remain powered, businesses will continue to thrive, and communities will progress without interruption.
Pending the necessary approvals, the PSA is poised to take effect and represents a strategic move to ensure the Calamian Islands can meet the growing energy demands spurred by a booming tourism sector and expanding industries. The agreement is a direct response to the region’s increasing energy needs, promising both reliability and sustainability for residents and businesses alike.
BISELCO General Manager Ruth L. Fortes expressed her enthusiasm for the new deal, saying, “This PSA will bring tremendous opportunity for the infrastructure development of the Calamian Islands. It will pave the way for a continuous and reliable power supply, ensuring that households and businesses across the region remain fully lit and operational.”
CIPC President Eric B. Omamalin highlighted the long-term impact of the partnership, stating, “Vivant Energy is dedicated to providing solutions for our changing world by delivering reliable energy systems. Our partnership with BISELCO ensures the Calamian Islands have a stable and sustainable power supply to support economic growth and improve everyday life. This agreement reflects our commitment to investing in adaptive, long-term solutions that empower communities and foster progress.”
This new 15-year PSA exemplifies the power of collaboration between the private and cooperative sectors, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can create long-term energy solutions. This initiative not only strengthens the region’s power infrastructure but also serves as a model for future projects aimed at driving sustainable development in underserved areas.
