EDC will be supplying 50-83 MW of clean, dependable power to the island of Bohol from its Unified Leyte Geothermal Power PlantEnergy Development Corporation (EDC) has been awarded the power supply contract that will enable the firm to supply electricity to the island of Bohol for 10 years from 2024 to 2033.

One Bohol Power (1BP) distribution utilities’ joint competitive selection process required a baseload power supply from a renewable energy source and in-island backup power to ensure that Bohol will have a steady 24/7 supply of electricity even if it gets isolated from the grid.

1BP said only EDC met their requirements through the 50-83 megawatts (MW) of dependable power that it has committed to provide from its Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant, with an accompanying backup power supply from an in-island 85.12- MW diesel-fired power plant that EDC and its partner will be constructing in Bohol. Upon completion of the diesel power plant, it will be the first time the province will have a backup source to keep its industry, tourism and residential sectors supplied with electricity even if its connection to Leyte is cut.

EDC estimates its generation charge for this contract to be at approximately P4.70 per kilowatt-hour once the contract commences in January 2024. This is not only below 1BP’s price cap of P5.4089, but is also well below the current blended generation rates of all three Bohol electric cooperatives.

1BP’s power rate from the power supply agreements with EDC is fixed and subject only to Philippine consumer price index escalation despite having diesel for its backup power. The agreed rate will prevail even if EDC supplies 1BP’s requirements through the diesel plant during instances of grid isolation. (Story/Photos by: Frances Ariola)