Power Bills Alert: PH May Lean Harder on Coal Para Di Lumobo ang Rates

The Philippines may temporarily rely more on coal-fired power plants as officials try to stop electricity prices from climbing even faster amid disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the government has already spoken with generation companies to check how much more output coal plants can deliver. The plan, she said, could start as early as April 1 if it helps limit power rate increases.

The move comes as liquefied natural gas prices rise sharply, making gas-fired generation more expensive. The Philippines already gets about 60 percent of its electricity from coal, so the short-term strategy is to maximize available coal capacity while the market remains volatile.

Garin also said the country is open to increasing coal purchases from Indonesia, although Jakarta has assured Manila that current coal imports are not under restriction. In short, backup options are there, pero sana hindi na kailanganing sagarin.

The broader energy picture remains delicate. The country still depends heavily on imported fuel, while Malampaya continues to face depletion pressure even after a reported new gas discovery earlier this year. That means any overseas shock can quickly hit Filipino households through their monthly power bills.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/24/news/philippines-eyes-temporary-coal-push-to-counter-energy-turmoil/2306061