OUTreach/ Energizing the Best Island in the World

Narra, Palawan Island, the Philippines - 12 August 2014. Management and staff of PALECO, the Palawan Electric Cooperative came together on 12-13 August to strategize how to manage transition in their utility that serves rapidly growing Palawan, which was recently named the best island in the world by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller in their 2014 Travel Awards.

Led by Atem S. Ramsundersingh, CEO of WEnergy Global Pte Ltd and Wouter T. Lincklaen Arriëns, Director and Leadership Coach of TransformationFirst.Asia Pte Ltd, the workshop examined how rapid changes are affecting the demand and supply of electricity in the island, and how PALECO can adapt to these changes while building on its strengths and learning from its weaknesses.

The island's Puerto Princesa Underground River, the second longest in the world with a length of more than 8 kilometers, is now recognized as one of the leading natural wonders of the world, drawing travelers from many countries. Nearby, a pioneering project is demonstrating how the future of Palawan's sustainable energy management is starting today. The introduction of solar technology will for the first time add clean and renewable energy into the power mix that is still dominated by diesel, and thereby connect remote communities to electricity while protecting the island's precious environment.   

Leadership is about managing change. The management and staff of PALECO took an important step forward by exploring the impact of the rapid changes in the island's energy market on their strategy for serving customers and the economy and environment of Palawan in the best way.