Silliman, DOE Partner on Electrification Program

Silliman University, through its Extension Program, is assisting in the electrification program for far-flung barangays in the southern part of Negros Oriental.

The University was engaged by the Department of Energy and the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative in its program of providing electric power to two hinterland communities in the municipalities of Siaton and Santa Catalina. These barangays have been certified to have no access to electricity and are not covered under the grid extension plan of the electric distribution utility in the next three years.

This project involves the provision of electricity services in off-grid households using mature renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) solar home systems, PV streetlights, micro-hydro systems and biomass systems.

For many years, Silliman hosts the Affiliated Renewable Energy Center, a joint project of the Extension Program and the DOE. The Center has already been successful in establishing solar panels and similar technologies in remote communities in the province.