Philippines leaves century-old Baguio hydropower plants idle amid legal disputes

The Asin Hydropower Plants in Tuba, Benguet, which supplied electricity to Baguio City for nearly a century, remain decommissioned as legal and technical obstacles prevent their rehabilitation. The three-plant system, constructed in the early 1920s during the American colonial period, has been offline since 2012 following the expiration of operating contracts and subsequent equipment deterioration. Operational history and decline The facility, consisting of Mini-Hydro 1, 2, and 3, was the first hydroelectric system in the Philippines owned by a local government unit. At its peak, the system generated approximately 3 megawatts of power, significantly reducing electricity costs for Baguio residents. However, operations ceased 12 years ago when the city government’s permit expired and a proposed partnership with a private firm collapsed. Recent site assessments by the Baguio City government revealed that the facilities have suffered from extensive equipment theft and natural decay. Copper wiring, turbines, and control panels have been stripped or damaged by rust, leaving the century-old infrastructure in a state of advanced disrepair. Estimates for full restoration have fluctuated,…