150-megawatt expansion project breaks ground in Toledo

Local

AS CEBU’S demand for electricity continues to rise, Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) officially broke ground on its Unit 3 expansion, adding 150 megawatts (MW) to its existing 300-MW facility in Barangay Bato, Toledo City, Cebu.

The project aims to strengthen the Visayas grid, close local supply gaps, and ensure a stable power supply for the island, where peak demand is projected to reach around 1,400 MW by 2026.

During the cornerstone laying on Friday, September 12, AboitizPower Chief Operating Officer Aldo Ramos described the milestone as more than just a capacity addition.

“Unit Three is a capacity addition, yes, but it’s also a capacity for hope, for enterprise and for the future that we are building together in Toledo and Cebu and the Visayas,” he said.

Ramos emphasized the importance of collaboration with government, communities, and project partners to ensure that the expansion aligns with both local and national priorities.

The ceremony was attended by local and national officials, including Toledo City Mayor Marjorie “Joie” Perales, Vice Mayor JC Sigue, Cebu Third District Congresswoman Karen Garcia, and former Congressman Pablo John Garcia.

Ramos also acknowledged provincial board members from multiple districts and key national and regional agency representatives, including Undersecretary Mario Mercigan of the Department of Energy, Regional Executive Director Paquito Melicor of DENR-7, and other heads from EMB-7, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Health.

The cornerstone event included a site plan walkthrough and the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone.

Ramos stressed the project’s role in supporting local development and economic growth.

“Together, we refuse to let Cebu return to the days in 2013 and 2014 when power was scarce,” he added, highlighting the company’s commitment to a reliable energy supply.

Unit 3 is a brownfield coal-fired expansion that leverages the existing TVI site infrastructure, including the jetty, conveyor, and switchyard.

This approach reduces land disturbance and ensures full compliance with national regulations, as the DOE allows expansions on operational coal sites with firm site provisions.

Once completed, Unit 3 will raise TVI’s total capacity to 450 MW, helping close Cebu’s roughly 100-MW local deficit and providing firm baseload power to stabilize the Visayas grid during peak periods or yellow alerts.

The project addresses the island’s growing need for reliable electricity, supporting critical sectors such as hospitals, manufacturing, ICT-BPO, tourism, real estate, and infrastructure.

By expanding local generation capacity, TVI reduces dependence on imported power and mitigates the economic risks of supply interruptions.

The expansion is part of AboitizPower’s strategy to balance renewable energy growth with dependable thermal generation.

Ramos noted that the company remains committed to meeting Cebu’s present and future energy needs while ensuring responsible operations, environmental care, and community participation.

Scheduled for completion by 2028, TVI Unit 3 will provide employment opportunities during construction and long-term benefits for surrounding communities, reinforcing the company’s role as a partner in progress for Toledo and the broader Visayas region.(MyTVCebu)