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Ilocos, often hailed as the Renewable Energy Capital of Southeast Asia, continues to lead the charge in sustainable development. This update brings together the latest developments from the province—from expanding energy access in remote communities to launching new initiatives that reinforce its strong commitment to RE.
First EV charging station in Ilocos Norte
Barangay Pancian in Pagudpud proudly launched Ilocos Norte’s first electric vehicle (EV) charging station, marking a major step toward sustainable mobility. Located at the Agua Grande Mini Hydro Plant, the new facility signals the province’s growing push for clean energy solutions in transportation.
Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc praised the collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing eco-friendly transport and enhancing Filipino lives. He emphasized the government’s readiness to support green mobility and expressed optimism that the new EV charging station would attract more environmentally conscious tourists to Ilocos Norte.
This project is a product of strategic partnerships between Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and Ayala Corporation’s ACMobility. INEC provided the site and transformer, while ACMobility installed a 120-kilowatt (kW) fast charger capable of powering two EVs simultaneously in just 45 minutes, directly connected to the grid.
Meanwhile, ACMobility teamed up with e-mobility service provider Evro to enhance user experience at the charging hub. Through the Evro app, drivers can easily locate chargers, check availability and compatibility, and pay seamlessly via cashless transactions.
According to ACMobility, the Pagudpud EV charging hub serves as a key connection in the growing national EV charging network, with more stations planned for development across the country. The closest hub to Pagudpud is currently located in La Union.
(Also read: Ilocos Norte Pioneers Solar Rooftop Initiatives in Government Facilities)
Ilocos Norte pushes net metering to boost solar use
With the growing number of solar initiatives in Ilocos, the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Market Operations Service (ERC-MOS) recently held a briefing on the net-metering framework and its advantages.
Hosted at the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center Auditorium in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the event aimed to promote wider adoption of solar energy among Filipinos by showcasing the benefits of the net-metering program for both households and businesses.
Facilitating the discussion, MOS Director Sharon O. Montañer offered crucial insights into the rules and framework guiding net metering for solar energy users in Ilocos Norte.
ERC research reveals that by December 31, 2024, Ilocos Norte had 95 qualified participants generating a combined capacity of 737.08 kilowatt-peak (kWp) connected to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative. The ERC remains active in driving awareness campaigns to expand the program and support the Philippines’ shift to RE.
(Also read: San Miguel Global Power Advances Hydropower Projects)
24 homes electrified in new Ilocos Norte sitio
Electricity has reached 24 households in the new sitio of Babang, Barangay Bobon, Burgos, thanks to the installation of a 25-kilovolt-ampere (kVA) transformer that connected the community to the power grid.
The initiative complements the Rural Electrification Program led by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), which has invested nearly P1 million to extend power access to remote areas across the province, according to INEC.
Despite ongoing challenges leaving some Ilocos Norte households without power, INEC and the provincial government continue their efforts to bring electricity to these underserved communities—whether by expanding the grid or installing solar solutions—depending on what’s most practical.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1250445
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1251592