To resolve the power supply issues concerning the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG), officials from the National Electrification Administration (NEA), Department of Energy (DOE), National Power Corporation (NPC) and Association of Isolated Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) gathered in a consultative meeting on Tuesday, 17 January 2023.

During the meeting, AIEC President and Romblon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ROMELCO) General Manager Rene Fajilagutan raised his concern on the cutting of hours/curtailment of operation of NPC-SPUG plants.

Starting 01 February 2023, NPC will implement the reduction of electricity service in SPUG areas due to fuel supply shortage and the delay in Universal Cost for Missionary Electrification (UC-ME) subsidy payment.

The NPC apprised the attendees of the meeting that they already have a Crisis Management and Communication Plan which was approved by the National Power Board to address the supply curtailment and the delay in UC-ME subsidy payment. NPC Pres. Fernando Martin Roxas said that they requested for PhP5 Billion loan solely for fuel purchases but they expected it to be given in May. He asked the electric cooperatives (ECs) if they can help in advancing the payment for fuel.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda directed Deputy Administrator for Technical Services Atty. Omar Mayo to coordinate with NPC regarding the advance payment of the ECs as part of the short-term solution to the problem. He also asked the ECs to meet with their respective local government officials to aid in the advance payment. The NEA Chief likewise instructed the ECs to inform their member-consumer-owners about the looming power crisis.

For a long-term solution, Administrator Almeda reiterated his call for the electric cooperatives to have an embedded renewable source of power. Moreover, he assured the ECs that the energy family will do their part in resolving the power supply issue.

In an advisory issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) also on 17 January 2023, they assured that they shall expedite the review of NPC’s relevant petitions following due process and proceedings, in addition to looking for alternative solutions to solve the present crisis in missionary areas, while ensuring that reasonable prices and quality service will be provided.

More than 20 ECs in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao attended the meeting with DOE, NPC and NEA. They will have another forum on 26 January 2023 to discuss the process of the advance payment for fuel purchases.

SOURCE: NEA