Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) Activity

Contributing to the enhanced security and reliability of the Philippines’ unified power system

Advancing inclusive economic growth and resilient development in ​the Philippines​ requires boosting the energy sector’s resilience to shocks and stresses through advanced technology deployment. This goal can be supported by increasing private investments in the energy sector and implementing complementary and reinforcing energy interventions.

Objective​ of Energy Secure Philippines​

USAID ESP (2020–2025) aims to mobilize USD 750 million in private sector investment to stimulate 500 megawatts in additional generation capacity, which will help to reduce poverty, foster inclusive economic growth, and promote sustained prosperity. The activity will also contribute to the achievement of the Philippines Energy Sector Strategic Directions 2017–2040 and to the goals of the U.S. Government’s Asia Enhancing Development and Growth Through Energy (EDGE) Initiative.  

Approach​ to Energy Secure Development in the Philippines​

USAID ESP supports the pursuit of enhanced energy security through a transparent, market-driven, and resilient energy sector in the Philippines by:

• Helping electric utility companies to improve performance.
• Increasing the use of advanced energy sources and systems.
• Fostering competition in the market and improving the overall energy procurement process.

Energy Secure Philippines ​Activities

USAID ESP provides technical assistance, customized capacity building assistance, and support for the adoption of a minimum set of standards for quality equipment and services across three focus areas:  

1. Improving electric utility performance by introducing methodologies, tools, cutting-edge analytic systems, and other technology applications to upgrade performance standards, improve operational efficiencies, and strengthen the financial and operational position of power utilities.
2. Increasing deployment of advanced energy sources and systems by operationalizing existing laws, regulations, and policies that support the extensive use of advanced energy systems, which will result in a more efficient and affordable electricity market with a variety of products and services.
3. Enhancing competition in the power sector by broadening the number of market participants to balance large firm dominance and lower the threshold for retail competition to reach the household level.

Learn more about RTI’s work in energy for development and in the Philippines