No power rate spike in Dinagat Islands amid energy crisis
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — There will be no increase in power rates for 2026 in the Province of Dinagat Islands amid the energy crisis.
The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of San Jose confirmed after the courtesy visit to the Dinagat Islands Electric Cooperative, Incorporated (DIELCO) on April 6 to address the public inquiry on possible power rate increase, concern on power shutdown, and assurance on sufficient fuel source to sustain the power supply in the off-grid province.
The courtesy visit was led by San Jose Vice Mayor Rechard T. Pasquil, together with SB members Clica C. Antipolo, Julmore T. Pesito, Felix Q. Portullano, Papias A. Tuquib, Ludwig B. Ecleo, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Kim Valeri A. Tampon. They discussed significant updates with DIELCO Board of Directors President Eduardo Mas-ing, alongside Inspection Development Head Darilyn Josol, Manager Hector Tasil, and staff Sabiana Narvasa.
“In our meeting, DIELCO assured that the electric cooperative will not increase the power rate in the entire province for this year 2026, and its services to the public will be sustained,” Vice Mayor Pasquil said as he shared the good news.
With sources from three diesel power plants and two floating power barges, he added that DIELCO also confirmed that the National Power Corporation has sufficient fuel supply from an oil company to sustain electricity in the province. “DIELCO has a contingency plan in place and it continues to remain transparent to the member-consumers on electric charges and for any relevant updates.”
The official further requested the public to be vigilant and mindful in getting reliable sources of information, especially with the ongoing crisis in the Middle East that is affecting prices on food, petroleum products, among others. “Let us not immediately believe in any information circulating online. Please do not share without verification and fact-checking to prevent confusion and panic.”
Meanwhile, DIELCO with its mantra, ‘Pag-alagad nga matinud-anon, pagplambo sa Dinagatnon (sincere service for the progress of the Dinagatnon),’ remains committed even during challenging times in delivering the total rural electrification across the island province. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from LGU San Jose)