Beatrice Lang
Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) is the electric company that provides power to Siargao Island. It is a non-stock, nonprofit distribution utility that was incorporated on September 8, 1979, and became the 114th Electric Cooperative recognized in the Philippines. SIARELCO has faced challenges over the years, including a super typhoon in 2021 that devastated its distribution system, but it has proven its resilience and commitment to empowering its communities. The company has also taken steps towards sustainability by entering into a renewable energy supply contract with AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) |
| Type | Non-stock, nonprofit distribution utility |
| Date incorporated | September 8, 1979 |
| Location | Catabaan, Dapa, Surigao del Norte |
| Area coverage | 9 municipalities and 132 barangays |
| Electricity source | Renewable energy, hydropower |
| Notable outages | April 2010, December 2021, December 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
History of Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO)
Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) is a non-stock, nonprofit distribution utility that brought electricity to Siargao Island for the first time. It was incorporated on September 8, 1979, becoming the 114th Electric Cooperative in the Philippines. It is located at Catabaan, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, and serves nine municipalities and 132 barangays.
The cooperative's journey began with the construction of the distribution line on January 8, 1983, funded by a loan of PhP 13.198 million from the National Electric Administration (NEA). The first energization took place on January 15, 1985, in the Municipality of Dapa, using two old 150 KW generator sets from Kalinga Apayao Electric Cooperative (KAELCO). This marked a significant milestone in the history of Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, introducing the first and only power distribution utility in the area.
However, the generator sets broke down due to overloading, causing disappointment among the cooperative and the islanders. NEA proposed drawing energy from the Maria Cristina Power Grid at Lake Lanao, and with financial aid from West Germany, two 5MVA substations were installed. Submarine cables were laid, connecting the mainland and the islands, and the construction of a 26-kilometer overhead transmission line was completed in 1991 under the supervision of NEA engineers.
SIARELCO has faced several challenges, including a short circuit in its submarine cable in 2010, which resulted in a total blackout for the island. In 2021, Super Typhoon Odette devastated its entire distribution system, sweeping down all power lines. Despite these setbacks, SIARELCO has proven its resilience and commitment to providing reliable and affordable power to the islands. It has received recognition for its achievements, including awards from NEA, PHILRECA, and other entities.
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Power outages and fluctuations
Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) is the only power distribution utility in the area. It was incorporated on September 8, 1979, and became the 114th Electric Cooperative recognized in the Philippines.
SIARELCO has a history of power outages and fluctuations, with the most recent island-wide blackout occurring in December 2024. The cooperative explained that the outage was due to a line fault in the 34.5MV submarine cable, the main supplier of electricity to the island. This is not an isolated incident, as the island, particularly General Luna, has experienced weekly brownouts and daily power fluctuations. The reliance on a single power source, the vulnerability of the submarine cable, and the increasing load in the municipalities have contributed to the power issues on the island.
In 2010, a similar crisis occurred when the 10-kilometer submarine cable linking the island to the mainland grid experienced a short circuit, resulting in a total blackout for two weeks. In the same year, lightning struck and completely damaged one of the substations, causing another island-wide blackout.
In 2021, super typhoon Odette devastated the entire distribution system of SIARELCO, sweeping down all power lines. With assistance from various organizations and sectors, power was restored to the island in less than five months.
The power generation problems in Siargao have impacted residents, business owners, and tourists. Some have expressed concerns about the lack of a contingency plan, especially considering the importance of tourism to the local economy. The frequent outages and fluctuations have also led to damaged appliances and lost revenue for businesses, with some resorting to using diesel generators to accommodate guests.
SIARELCO has faced challenges in maintaining stable power distribution, and the issues have persisted for years. The cooperative has implemented measures to improve the situation, such as acquiring spare substations and drawing energy from alternative sources like the Maria Cristina Power Grid at Lake Lanao. However, the frequent power outages and fluctuations continue to be a cause for concern and highlight the need for a more reliable and sustainable power infrastructure on the island.
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SIARELCO's commitment to sustainability
Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) is a non-profit distribution utility that brought electricity to Siargao and Bucas Grande Island. The cooperative has faced numerous challenges, including generator breakdowns, cable faults, and natural disasters, but has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to empowering its communities.
SIARELCO's vision includes providing reliable and affordable power, with state-of-the-art facilities, and actively partnering with empowered Member-Consumer-Owners. The cooperative aims to accelerate the economic growth and development of Siargao Island while also prioritising sustainability.
The cooperative has proven its resilience in the face of challenges, such as the super typhoon Odette in 2021, which devastated its distribution system. With the support of organisations like PHILRECA, NEA, and its dedicated workforce, SIARELCO was able to restore power in less than five months, reaffirming its commitment to rural electrification and the well-being of the people.
SIARELCO's journey has been marked by a dedication to sustainability and resilience, overcoming challenges to provide reliable electricity to Siargao Island. The cooperative's commitment to empowering its communities and prioritising sustainability initiatives, such as increasing renewable energy sources and reducing single-use plastics, contributes to the well-being and development of the island and its residents.
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SIARELCO's partnership with AboitizPower
Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) is a non-stock, nonprofit distribution utility that brought electricity to Siargao Island. The cooperative was incorporated on September 8, 1979, and became the 114th Electric Cooperative recognized in the Philippines.
SIARELCO has faced numerous challenges over the years, including a super typhoon that devastated its entire distribution system in 2021 and multiple island-wide blackouts. Despite these setbacks, SIARELCO has proven its resilience and commitment to empowering its communities.
SIARELCO has entered into a renewable energy supply contract with AboitizPower, a leading provider of renewable energy in the Philippines. AboitizPower's brand for clean and renewable energy is called Cleanergy. The partnership between SIARELCO and AboitizPower's subsidiary Hedcor involves a 1-MW energy supply from the company's Manolo Fortich hydropower plant in Bukidnon. This partnership aligns with both organizations' shared commitment to sustainability and bettering the communities they serve. AboitizPower has also partnered with other electric cooperatives in Mindanao, including South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) and Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperatives 1 and 2 (ZAMSURECO 1 and 2).
AboitizPower champions sustainability initiatives and is committed to advancing business and communities towards a better future. The company's vast portfolio of geothermal, hydro, and solar power plants enables it to provide secure and affordable access to sustainable power across the Philippines. AboitizPower's Cleanergy brand has been adopted by various businesses and organizations, including Shangri-La resorts and the Asian Development Bank, as a way to support their environmental sustainability goals.
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The impact of electricity on tourism
Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) is the electric company that brought electricity to Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands. The cooperative was incorporated on September 8, 1979, and the first energization took place on January 15, 1985, in the municipality of Dapa, with power supplied for only six hours every night.
Electricity has had a significant impact on tourism in Siargao. The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its world-class surf breaks, stunning beaches, and rich biodiversity. It has gained a reputation as a top eco-tourism spot, attracting travellers seeking an eco-friendly vacation and a chance to experience nature and support sustainable tourism practices.
The presence of electricity has enabled the development of tourism infrastructure, such as eco-friendly accommodations, hostels, and resorts. It has also facilitated the operation of tourism businesses, including restaurants and entertainment venues, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
However, the impact of electricity on tourism in Siargao has also presented challenges. The island has experienced power generation problems, with frequent brownouts and power fluctuations affecting tourists and businesses. In December 2024, a line fault in the submarine cable supplying electricity caused an island-wide blackout, raising concerns among residents and business owners during the peak tourist season. This incident highlighted the reliance of the tourism industry on a stable power supply and the potential economic losses due to power disruptions.
Despite these challenges, SIARELCO has demonstrated resilience in overcoming obstacles and restoring power to the island. The cooperative has played a crucial role in bringing electricity to Siargao, contributing to its development as a tourist destination and supporting the local economy.
Overall, electricity has had a significant impact on tourism in Siargao, enabling the development of infrastructure and businesses while also presenting challenges related to power supply reliability. The presence of electricity has transformed Siargao into a thriving tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world and contributing to the island's economic growth.
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Frequently asked questions
The electric company in Siargao Island is called the Siargao Electric Cooperative, or SIARELCO.
SIARELCO is a non-stock, non-profit distribution utility that aims to provide quality electric service driven by globally competitive standards, thereby accelerating the economic growth and development of Siargao Island.
Yes, Siargao Island has experienced several power outages in the past, including a total blackout in April 2010 due to a short circuit in the submarine cable supplying electricity to the island. More recently, in December 2024, a line fault in the same submarine cable caused another island-wide blackout.
