Isla Norte Energy Corporation (INEC), an incorporated joint venture of Vivant Integrated Diesel Corporation (VIDC) and Gigawatt Power Inc. (GPI), recently inaugurated its first plant on Bantayan Island, Cebu.
1Bantayan is considered one of the country’s top emerging tourism hubs and a leader in the poultry growing industry. It is also a major supplier of agri-vet needs, a major part of the agricultural supply chain across the country.
The INEC plant is a 23.3-megawatt (MW) diesel engine power plant located in BarangayKabangbangand will supply the long-term total power requirements of Bantayan Island. INEC was awarded a 15-year supply contract or power supply agreement (PSA) to fulfill the demand of Bantayan Electric Cooperative Inc. (BANELCO), following a successful competitive selection process (CSP).
INEC completed the testing and commissioning of its engines in October 2021, during which it was able to augment the island’s power supply during shortages.
INEC has been issued a Provisional Authority to Operate the power plant by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)on 28 October 2021. Recently, the ERC issued a resolution directing BANELCO to “source out power from any supplier which it deems fit, to ensure the continuous and unhampered supply of power within its franchise area”. This directive isapplicable for only 90 days, while the ERC continues with the approval process for INEC’s Power Supply Agreement (PSA).
