𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫: 𝐃𝐎𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – In a significant step toward strengthening energy resilience and disaster preparedness, the Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Energy Secure Philippines Program, formally turned over three Mobile Energy Systems (MES) to the National Power Corporation – Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG) in a ceremonial event held today, 16 May 2025 at the NPC Substation in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla led the ceremony, joined by U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson, NPC President and CEO Fernando Martin Roxas, Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, Assistant Secretary Ronald V. Conquilla, representatives from USAID, and other government and private stakeholders.

The MES units, solar-powered and battery-equipped mobile energy platforms, are designed to deliver reliable, decentralized electricity to off-grid areas during natural disasters and other emergencies. These units will be deployed to remote areas in Palawan where electricity remains unconnected to the main power grid.
“These MES units represent not just a technological innovation, but a shared vision for energy security and resilience,” said Secretary Lotilla, highlighting the DOE’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on imported fuels and to promote indigenous, renewable energy sources.

Launched alongside the Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center (ESEOC) at the DOE Central Office in April 2024, the MES units embody the Philippine government’s proactive stance on disaster resilience, inter-agency cooperation, and energy innovation.

In his remarks, Secretary Lotilla emphasized the economic value of the MES units, particularly for isolated and oil-based dependent areas. A 70-kWh MES is projected to generate annual fuel savings of nearly ₱480,000 and help reduce power interruptions, with a return on investment (ROI) estimated between 8.88 to 11.16 years. Meanwhile, a 50-kWh MES is expected to save over ₱389,000 per year, with an ROI ranging from 11.5 to 14.5 years. These estimates are conservative and do not yet account for broader system-wide benefits such as lower transmission losses and reduced exposure to fuel price volatility.

“Every peso saved from imported fuel is a peso reinvested into our communities. Every kilowatt-hour generated locally strengthens our energy independence,” the Secretary said. “The MES initiative supports our broader vision of reducing dependence on imported fuel while enhancing the energy security and economic resilience of remote, disaster-prone regions.”

Palawan, dubbed as the country’s “last frontier,” is geographically isolated from the national grid and often experiences power disruptions. The strategic deployment of these MES units ensures continuous operation of critical infrastructure, healthcare services and emergency communications.

Secretary Lotilla also underscored the collaborative spirit that brought the project to life. “This is a product of what we can achieve when we bring together innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a sustainable future. Let today’s ceremony serve not just as a turnover, but as a renewal of our collective commitment.”

In addition to the three units turned over today, two units have already been installed in the municipalities of Lal-lo and Sta. Ana in Cagayan Province while one unit is stationed at the DOE compound in Taguig City. Another four units are scheduled for turnover next month.

The event stands as a landmark in the pursuit of clean, secure, and resilient energy systems for the Philippines. Through this milestone, the DOE, USAID, and NPC, reaffirm their shared dedication to empowering local communities, strengthening institutional resilience, and championing a low-carbon, energy-secure future. ###
DOE MEDIA RELEASE
16 May 2025