Energy Resiliency Framework — Philippines

The Philippines’ energy sector is among the most disaster-vulnerable in the world. Electric Cooperatives (ECs) sustained cumulative damages of PhP 6.55 billion from natural disasters between 2014 and 2020. Super Typhoon Odette alone (2021) caused PhP 283 million in EC damage; Typhoons Karding and Paeng (2022) added PhP 226 million. The ERC has received more than PhP 10 billion in Force Majeure Event CAPEX applications from distribution utilities and NGCP for the period 2008–2023 [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, Section C, p.24, 2023].

The economic cost of a 1 kWh disruption is PhP 247 — a figure underscoring the multiplier effect of energy outages on GDP and livelihoods [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.24, 2023].

Policy Frameworks

The energy resiliency framework is anchored in five national policy instruments [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, Section C, pp.24–25, 2023]:

Supplemental ERP (DC 2022-06-0028)

The Supplemental Energy Resiliency Policy (Department Circular 2022-06-0028, issued 24 June 2022) supplements the original ERP (DC 2018-01-0001) with four key enhancements [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, Section C, pp.25–27, 2023]:

1. Six Guiding Principles — expanded from original four to align with the DRRM framework
2. Enhanced RCP Categories — Resiliency Compliance Plan (RCP) now includes disaster risk financing, insurance, rehabilitation, and recovery (in addition to structural/non-structural measures)
3. Expanded TFER Structure — two Task Groups:
   • Task Group on Power: immediate restoration of power supply
   • Task Group on Oil and Gas: petroleum supply contingency measures
4. Energy Resiliency Excellent Awards (EREA) — recognizes energy companies that comply with RCP requirements and demonstrate validated resilience outcomes

The TFER (Task Force on Energy Resiliency) — created in 2018 under the original ERP — is the central coordinating authority for harmonizing disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and restoration. The DOE collaborates with NDRRMC, ERC, and IECC through the TFER.

Energy Resiliency Roadmap and Framework 2023-2028

The DOE’s Energy Resiliency Roadmap and Framework 2023-2028 (Figure 20 of PEP Vol. III) operationalizes the vision of “climate-proof and resilient infrastructure and systems that can withstand, reduce, recover faster, and Build Back Better” [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.28, 2023].

It consists of 19 Outcomes structured around:

• Outcomes 1–3: DOE policies and plans
• Outcomes 4–17: aligned with the 4 NDRRMP thematic pillars (Prevention/Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Rehabilitation/Recovery)
• Outcomes 18–19: human-induced hazards — physical security of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity

14 Outcomes with 22 Outputs are targeted for 2023–2028.

Key Programs Under Outcomes 4–9 (Disaster Prevention and Mitigation)

ERAFM — Energy Resilience Assessment Framework and Methodology (Outcome 4)

A standardized hazard assessment tool developed by DOE in collaboration with USAID-ESP. Based on NREL’s “Energy Resilience Assessment Methodology for Sites, Bases, and Campuses,” the ERAFM consists of 6 processes: (1) baseline resilience assessment; (2) hazard/vulnerability identification and scoring; (3) risk analysis; (4) mitigation action prioritization; (5) action plan development; (6) solution implementation [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.29, 2023].

RCP Assessment (Outcome 4)

DOE + USAID-ESP reviewed 161 RCP (Resiliency Compliance Plan) submissions for 2018–2021 covering power generation companies, transmission (NGCP/TransCo), DUs, and oil/gas (upstream and downstream). Results: ECs had the lowest compliance rate; upstream oil and gas = only 2 of 19 companies submitted; downstream oil = 16 of 20 (80%). Improved RCP templates and an online submission system (ERMS) are being developed [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, pp.29–30, 2023].

ERS — Energy Resiliency Scorecard (Outcome 4)

A self-assessment tool measuring an energy facility’s ability to prepare, withstand, and recover from disruptions. Developed by DOE-TFER in partnership with USAID-ESP. The ERS pillars are based on: (1) UNDRR’s 10 Essentials for Making Cities Resilient; (2) Integrated Resource and Resilience Planning (IRRP) Framework; (3) DOE RCP Categories. Development is in 3 phases; DU consultations held February 2023; genco/NGCP/TransCo/NPC-SPUG consultations held April 2023; off-grid and oil/gas consultations scheduled 2024 [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.30, 2023].

EDIMS — Energy Disaster Information Management System (Outcome 7)

A unified web platform with two modules: (1) Energy Sector Hazard Exposure Data and Map — centralized database of energy infrastructure overlaid with hazard maps (in partnership with DOST-PHIVOLCS); (2) TFER Disaster Information Monitoring Dashboard — real-time monitoring of power and oil supply status before, during, and after disaster events. Included in DOE ISSP 2024–2026 [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.31, 2023].

ERMS — Energy Resiliency Management System (Outcome 7)

Web-based platform to collect, consolidate, and monitor RCP submissions from energy stakeholders. Includes an online ERS module [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.31, 2023].

Islanding and Microgrid Systems for Critical Infrastructure (Outcome 8)

DOE will develop standards and regulations for islanded/microgrid systems to serve critical infrastructure (hospitals, telecoms, water, military/police, emergency response) when the main grid is disrupted. For off-grid areas, standalone solar-plus-storage systems will be promoted per RA 11646 (Microgrid Systems Act). DOE will provide guidelines, financing, and technical assistance [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.32, 2023].

Energy Resiliency Investments (Outcome 9)

DOE will access international climate finance in partnership with CCC: Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF), Climate Technology Center and Network (CTCN), and Loss and Damage Fund (LDF). Public-Private Partnerships and other innovative financing platforms will be used to attract private investment [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.32, 2023].

Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance — DRFI (Outcome 9 extension)

An emerging practice in the energy sector; overall adoption remains low. DOE plans to develop a strategic plan and policies to establish DRFI mechanisms. The ERS may serve as an evidence-based guide for insurance underwriting and investment assessment [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.33, 2023]. See Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) — Energy Sector .

Key Programs Under Outcomes 10–12 (Disaster Preparedness)

National Energy Contingency Plan (NECP) for “The Big One” (Outcome 10)

The “Big One” refers to a projected Magnitude 7.2 earthquake generated by the West Valley Fault (WVF), which would devastate the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA) including parts of Regions III and IV-A. Based on the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS, 2004), the worst case is a total Luzon Grid blackout plus fire/explosion from LPG plants and gasoline stations.

The DOE, in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and PMO-ERG, formally launched the NECP for “The Big One” on 14 December 2022. DC 2023-01-0002 (11 January 2023) institutionalized the NECP’s implementation and established the TWG on Energy Sector Earthquake Resiliency (TWG-ESER) to oversee the plan’s execution. Energy stakeholders in the GMMA are required to integrate the NECP response arrangements into their Business Continuity Plans [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.33, 2023].

National Oil and Gas Contingency Plan (NOGCP) (Outcome 10)

In development. Responds to oil supply volatility (typhoon Odette revealed fuel supply gaps for Diesel Power Plants due to damaged seaports). DOE + PDRF scoping workshop held 29–31 March 2023. Target: finalized and launched with a DC by Q3 2024 [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.34, 2023].

National Power Contingency Plan (NPCP) (Outcome 10)

Update to the original 2002 Power Contingency Plan (PCP), which was formulated after the late 1980s power crisis and the 2001 Luzon-wide blackout. The updated NPCP will include hazard/risk assessment, preparedness, coordinated response, strategic stockpiling, modernization, and capacity building [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.34, 2023].

APEC-ERTF Co-chairmanship (Outcome 12)

The DOE co-chairs the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Energy Resiliency Task Force (APEC-ERTF) with the United States. The APEC Energy Resiliency Guidelines were issued in February 2023, guiding APEC member economies on building energy systems resilient against natural and human-induced disasters. The DOE regularly shares Philippine resilience innovations through this forum [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.35, 2023].

NDRRMC TWG on Energy Resilience Policy (Outcome 12)

NDRRMC DPP Resolution No. 5 s.2022 created a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Energy Resilience Policy under the Disaster Preparedness Pillar (DPP), headed by the DOE. TOR approved 24 May 2023. The TWG coordinates with agencies outside the energy sector to develop policy recommendations for seamless disaster response and power/fuel restoration [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.35, 2023].

Key Programs Under Outcomes 13–14 (Disaster Response and Early Recovery)

ESEOC — Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center (Outcome 13)

A physical command center to be established at the DOE Main Office and field offices, in partnership with PDRF with USAID-ESP grant. The ESEOC will feature ICT equipment for real-time monitoring via the EDIMS platform and serve as the hub for TFER briefings, media coordination, and preparedness meetings [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.35, 2023].

Task Force ‘Kapatid’ (TFK) and Task Force ‘Kadugo’ (Outcome 14)

• TFK (Task Force Kapatid) for DUs: pre-arrangement under the NECP; deployment plan for ECs to assist each other in power restoration; targeting expanded membership from private DUs; planning regional asset hubs for emergency equipment prepositioning.
• TF Kadugo for oil and gas: creates response protocols for the downstream oil/gas sector modeled after TFK’s mutual assistance approach.

Fuel Allocation and Rationing Implementation Plan (Outcome 14)

Addresses vulnerability to external (geopolitical) and internal (disaster) oil supply disruptions. Plan will be developed as part of the NOGCP [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.36, 2023].

Key Programs Under Outcomes 16–17 (Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery)

Rehabilitation and Recovery Investment Plan (RRIP) (Outcome 16)

To be developed over the next five years (2023–2028). Based on the “Build Back Better” principle: post-disaster reconstruction must exceed pre-disaster resilience standards. Mechanism development will involve relevant agencies [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.36, 2023].

ERC CAPEX Cost Recovery Review (Outcome 17)

ERC received 103 Force Majeure Event (FME)-related CAPEX applications from 2008–2023: 73 from DUs, 30 from NGCP; proposed costs totaling PhP 10.14 billion. Visayas region has the largest share (Typhoons Yolanda and Odette). Only 16 of 121 ECs (13.2%) included buffer stock in multi-year CAPEX filings.

ERC is reviewing CAPEX rules to improve guidance for multi-year filings incorporating resiliency programs. ERC + NEA are working on the eICPM (Enhanced Integrated Computerized Planning Model) to facilitate EC CAPEX processing [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, pp.36–37, 2023].

Key Programs Under Outcomes 18–19 (Human-Induced Hazards)

Geopolitical Energy Security (Outcome 18)

• Russia–Ukraine conflict: gas supply implications; DOE + DFA diplomatic collaboration to represent energy interests in international dialogues
• West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute: threatens access to oil/gas reserves; DOE + NTF-WPS engaging in diplomatic efforts, upholding international law, pursuing regional energy cooperation and resumption of exploration

Critical Infrastructure Protection (Outcome 18)

The NAP-CIP (National Action Plan on Critical Infrastructure Protection) from the Anti-Terrorism Council-PMC covers 14 critical infrastructure sectors, including energy. DOE targets submission of harmonized energy sector inputs to NAP-CIP in Q4 2023. Four-pillar approach: Prevent, Protect, Prepare, Respond.

Illustrative incident: NGCP tower No. 8 in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte bombed on 25 October 2022, causing the Baloi-Aurora 138kV transmission line to trip and manual load dropping in multiple Mindanao areas [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.38, 2023].

DOE is also drafting a policy for confidential digital mapping of critical energy facilities (submarine/inter-island pipelines, overhead/underground oil and gas pipelines, power lines) to prevent disruptions.

Energy Sector Cybersecurity Program (Outcome 18)

Smart Grid development (per DC 2020-02-0003) increases ICT dependence and cyber vulnerability. The DOE will formulate an Energy Sector Cybersecurity Policy and roadmap aligned with NCSP 2023-2028. Key deliverables:

• ES-CERT (Energy Sector Computer Emergency Response Team) + Security Operations Center (SOC)
• Cybersecurity Resilience Scorecard (separate from ERS)
• PESC CAF (Philippine Electric Supply Chain Cybersecurity Assessment Framework) adopting NIST CSF
• DOE Cybersecurity Plan covering: Information Security, Application Security, Network Security, Internet Security, Critical Information Infrastructure Protection
• DICT collaboration through CMSP (Cybersecurity Management Systems Project) and PH-CERT advisories

[PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, pp.38–40, 2023]

ETFE — Energy Task Force Elections (Outcome 19)

The Energy Task Force Elections (ETFE), created by DC2018-05-0014, coordinates power security during national/local elections (NLE) and Barangay/SK elections (BSKE). Five strategies: (1) harmonized communication; (2) power infrastructure inspections; (3) backup power solutions; (4) monitoring and rapid response; (5) consolidated security plans. Active since 2018 [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. III, p.40, 2023].