Biselco awards 15-year power supply deal to CIPC to strengthen Palawan's energy security

THE Busuanga Island once faced daily brownouts lasting four to six hours, limiting economic activity and hindering development. With the entry of Calamian Islands Power Corp. (CIPC) in 2013, a stable power supply became a catalyst for growth, fueling tourism and local industries.

However, the rapid economic expansion led to increasing energy demand, underscoring the need for additional capacity to sustain progress.

PARTNERSHIP SEALED Seated from left are Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative Inc. (Biselco) Board President Segundo Aguilar, Biselco General Manager Ruth Fortes and Calamian Islands Power Corp. (CIPC) President Erickson Omamalin. Standing from left are Biselco Bid and Awards Committee Chairman Selwin Alili, NEA Project Supervisor Ivan Zamora, Vivant Energy President Emil Andre Garcia and Vivant Energy Vice President Mark Habana. PHOTO FROM VIVANT ENERGY

To keep the momentum of progress, Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative Inc. (Biselco) has signed a new 15-year power supply agreement (PSA) with Vivant Energy's CIPC. Building on their long-standing partnership that began with their first PSA in 2011, this new agreement secured a 24-megawatt contracted capacity for Busuanga and Coron, ensuring that homes remain lit, businesses continue to thrive and communities keep moving forward.

Set to commence once the necessary approvals have been received, the PSA was a strategic step that would ensure the Calamian Islands would keep pace with the growing energy demands driven by a thriving tourism sector and expanding local industries.

SECURING ENERGY STABILITY Vivant Energy’s Calamian Islands Power Corp. (CIPC) officially signs a new 15-year power supply agreement with Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative Inc., ensuring households are powered, businesses continue to operate and communities can thrive without interruption. PHOTO FROM VIVANT ENERGY

The agreement would address the region's increasing energy needs, ensuring reliable and sustainable power for residents and businesses.

Biselco General Manager Ruth Fortes said, "This new PSA will bring great opportunity for the Calamian Group of Islands for its infrastructure development. It will pave the way for a continuous and reliable power supply, ensuring fully lit households and businesses throughout Calamian."

CIPC President Eric Omamalin emphasized the long-term benefits of the partnership, saying: "Vivant Energy is committed to creating solutions to our changing world by delivering reliable energy systems. Our partnership with Biselco ensures that the Calamian Islands have a stable and sustainable power supply to support economic growth and enhance everyday life. This agreement reflects our dedication to investing in long-term, adaptive solutions that empower communities and drive progress."

This 15-year PSA is a testament to the power of collaboration between the private and cooperative sectors. By creating long-term energy solutions, this partnership sets a model for future projects that would drive progress in underserved areas.