Mabuhay Energy CEO Urges Balance in PH Energy Transition: "Customers Need Affordable, 24/7 Power"

As the Philippines charts its energy roadmaps for 2030 and beyond, the country’s clean energy transition must remain firmly anchored to commercial and operational realities: end-users need power that is affordable, dependable, and available around the clock.

This was the central message delivered by Jacqueline Castillo, President and CEO of Mabuhay Energy Corporation (MECO), during the 3rd Philippine Power Plant Energy Summit, held at the City of Dreams Manila on October 22, 2026.

Speaking on the high-level panel discussion, “Vision 2030: The Future of Philippine Power Plants — Modern, Digital & Sustainable,” Castillo shared the ground-level perspective of power consumers and retail suppliers navigating the nation’s decarbonization pathway.

Addressing fellow power industry leaders, Castillo emphasized that while retail suppliers and contestable customers actively welcome the rise of clean power, the priority of the market remains pragmatic.

"From the retail electricity supplier’s perspective, and actually the end-user’s perspective, we’re very technology-neutral," Castillo stated. "Because what we really need is affordable, reliable, and dependable supply. Yes, we’re looking at renewables in the future, but 15 to 20 years from now, it shouldn't just be a debate over whether we need more RE or more conventional. It’s really a matter of: is it available 24/7 for us? Because for the customer, they need power all day."

The panel was moderated by Atty. Jose Ma. Emmanuel Caral, Senior Counsel and Head of Energy Group at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra. Joining Castillo on the stage to discuss technology landscapes, decarbonization, and long-term investments were Mr. Frank Thiel, Managing Director of Quezon Power Philippines Ltd., and Ms. Anna Rellama, Principal and Philippines Country Lead at Arthur D. Little.

Castillo drew attention to the growing operational challenges posed by the rapid addition of variable renewable energy (VRE). While solar and wind capacities continue to expand across the Philippine grid, their intermittency is reshaping daily demand dynamics, making grid balancing increasingly complex.

She noted that the local power system is already manifesting the classic "duck curve"—where significant mid-day solar generation depresses net daytime demand, causing the system's steep peak load to shift into the evening hours when solar generation drops to zero.

This timing mismatch presents a critical hurdle for key Philippine commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors.

"Most of our semiconductors and manufacturing plants don't just operate in the daytime; they cannot simply shift their load toward daytime hours," Castillo pointed out. "So while we are moving aggressively toward RE, we still require baseload, firm, and available supply—even during the shoulder hours, even 24/7."

As open access deepens across the Philippines under Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), Retail Electricity Suppliers like Mabuhay Energy serve as the direct bridge between power generation assets and commercial end-users.

Castillo’s remarks underscore the crucial role of flexible supply contracting, data-driven portfolio management, and firm capacity reserves. As the grid integrates more clean technologies, tailored retail solutions will be essential to ensure that businesses—from heavy manufacturers to cold storage and technology facilities—can meet their sustainability targets without sacrificing reliability or competitiveness.