Six power companies secured contracts to build new power plants in Oriental Mindoro after winning bids for 57 megawatts of guaranteed dependable capacity, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has announced.

DMCI Power Corp. emerged as the lead contractor, winning two baseload capacity contracts totaling 15 megawatts in Calapan City, while RMS Technology and Waste Management Corp. secured a 14-megawatt support load contract for load-following and peaking operations in Pinamalayan.

Other successful bidders include East Paramount Energy Corp., which won a 10-megawatt contract in Bansud, and Green Force Energy Corporation, awarded an 11-megawatt contract in Roxas.

ORMIN POWER Inc. and Power Pioneer JW&D Corp. also secured portions of the total capacity, according to Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO) General Manager Humphrey Dolor.

The bidding process was conducted through a third-party bids and awards committee, with all winning companies submitting documentation in compliance with NEA and Department of Energy (DOE) regulations.

ORMECO operates under an emergency power supply agreement, implemented after the cancellation of competitive selection process (CSP) proceedings in 2023 for a 41-megawatt power supply.

Under the emergency agreement, suppliers currently charge consumers the true cost of fuel at P18 pesos per kilowatt hour.

The new 15-year power supply agreements, secured through competitive selection, will benefit from government subsidies throughout the contract period, potentially offering relief from high electricity costs for consumers.

“The additional 57 megawatts will be crucial in meeting our power demands, particularly during summer when consumption peaks at 80 megawatts,” Dolor said.

He added that ORMECO is exploring renewable energy sources, including solar power, to further reduce electricity rates for both residential and commercial customers.

During a ceremonial awarding at the ORMECO compound, Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor, who is the general manager’s brother, commended the electric cooperative for the successful bidding process and welcomed the power companies’ investment in the province.

Photo: courtesy of Thomas Mendoza (a DMCI power plant, used for illustration purposes only)