Tagbilaran City – Bohol Light, the sole distribution utility in Tagbilaran City, is poised to significantly increase its reliance on renewable energy with the upcoming 8.4 MW solar project by Mabuhay Power.
Once operational, the solar farm will contribute almost 25% of the city’s energy demand, making Tagbilaran a leader in renewable energy adoption in the Visayas region.
Bohol Light President and CEO Roel Castro highlighted the project’s impact on the city’s energy supply and attractiveness to investors. “This 8.4 MW facility, once injected into our distribution system, will represent 25% of Tagbilaran City’s energy demand, which is currently reaching 31 MW,” Castro explained. “This is a big percentage and will definitely help in attracting investors. They always ask about the percentage of green energy in our system. So, we are becoming a very attractive investment area.”
Castro emphasized Bohol Light’s commitment to managing the new solar power facility efficiently. “As your partner, we will make sure that whatever power will be coming in, we will manage it well, optimally, to make sure that the price will be reduced,” Castro added.
Bohol Light is also actively investing in its infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for electricity in Tagbilaran City. As part of its five-year development plan, it is constructing a new sub-transmission line from the new Corella substation of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) all the way to the old airport in Tagbilaran City, which is being transformed into an Information and Technology Park.
“We will also be putting up a new substation in that area in preparation for the growth in the area because we’re already seeing the signs happening,” Castro said, emphasizing that this new substation is in addition to the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrades of existing distribution facilities.
Despite the increasing costs in the generation sector, Bohol Light remains committed to providing affordable electricity to its consumers. “For this month, I would like to announce that the lowest rate is Bohol Light, at least among the major DUs in the Visayas,” Castro proudly announced. “Followed by MORE Power in Iloilo, and Negros Power in Negros, which are all being managed by PrimElectric.”
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado expressed his confidence in Bohol Light’s commitment to providing affordable and reliable electricity. “I’m very proud that we made the right choice in partnering with Bohol Light because the power rate in Tagbilaran City has lowered,” Aumentado said. “There’s a future for Tagbilaran and Bohol. Especially as we convert our old airport into an IT Park, we need more power. So with your facility here, we are confident that Tagbilaran is ready.”
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap highlighted the importance of affordable and reliable electricity for the city’s continued growth and development. “Our electricity is affordable because of Bohol Light,” Yap said. “And the presence of Mabuhay Power will solidify the energy source of Tagbilaran.”
Mayor Yap emphasized the city’s booming development, particularly in the BPO sector, and the crucial role of reliable power supply. “We have four big BPO industries in Tagbilaran City, and just now, the Governor announced that we will be transforming the old airport of Tagbilaran into a business hub or an IT Park,” Yap said. “We really need the support of our power companies. And this is a welcome development for Tagbilaran City for every Tagbilaranon. Not just for industries that will be investing in Tagbilaran but also the different households. Because the benefits of Mabuhay Power, in partnership with Bohol Light, will have a ripple effect.”