With just one week remaining before the 2025 National and Local Elections, the Energy Task Force Election (ETFE) has reaffirmed its full readiness to ensure a stable power supply and adequate fuel availability across the country. The ETFE is committed to supporting the safe, orderly, and uninterrupted conduct of the elections by safeguarding energy services throughout the voting, transmission, and canvassing processes.
At a press conference held on 05 May 2025, Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Chair of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER), emphasized the energy sector’s commitment to delivering secure and sufficient energy services, particularly during pivotal national events. “We have taken all necessary steps to support the smooth and credible conduct of the 2025 elections. The Department of Energy (DOE), through the ETFE, is fully prepared to respond and coordinate with our partners to ensure uninterrupted energy access nationwide,” Undersecretary Fuentebella stated.
ETFE member agencies highlighted their operational readiness, noting that since early this year, the task force has conducted regular coordination meetings with key industry stakeholders. These include the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), National Electrification Administration, electric cooperatives, oil companies, and other entities across the energy supply chain.
These meetings focused on assessing system readiness and implementing contingency measures to address potential challenges. As part of the preparations, both public and private energy providers conducted comprehensive inspections and maintenance of critical infrastructure. Special attention was given to polling and canvassing centers, especially in areas designated as critical by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
In off-grid and remote areas, distribution utilities under the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) undertook maintenance activities to ensure continuous electricity supply. The NGCP also conducted inspections and cleared right-of-way areas along high-voltage transmission corridors to reduce outage risks.
To further ensure data integrity and service continuity, the ETFE assessed the readiness of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems in COMELEC facilities. Task force personnel are on standby for rapid deployment in emergencies, backed by comprehensive contingency and response plans.
Despite the expected peak in electricity demand surrounding the election period, the energy sector remains confident in its ability to maintain reliable service. “We assure the public that the energy sector is fully prepared to ensure an unimpeded power supply before, during, and after the elections,” Fuentebella affirmed. “Contingency plans are in place, and we are in constant coordination with security agencies to support a smooth and secure election process.”
The ETFE operates in close coordination with COMELEC and is supported by the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard.
The collaborative efforts of ETFE member agencies and private sector partners underscore the critical role of energy reliability in upholding the democratic process. Through proactive planning, close coordination, and swift mobilization, the energy sector stands firmly with COMELEC and the Filipino people in ensuring a peaceful, credible, and orderly 2025 election.
