The National Power Corporation (Napocor) informed the municipality of San Vicente, Palawan that it is prioritizing PowerSource Philippines Inc (PSPI) areas including Port Barton for fuel supply assistance at lower rates, after reports that PSPI’s lack of fuel supply for operations might result to rotational power outages in the area.
In his letter to San Vicente Mayor Ramir Pablico, Napocor vice president and chief operations officer, Melchor P. Redulme assured that they will be assisting power supply providers since “the government recognizes the challenges currently being experienced by power providers due to prevailing fuel price shock.”
“Napocor is prioritizing PSPI areas including Port Barton in the ongoing coordination with PNOC for possible fuel supply assistance at rates lower than the prevailing market prices,” Redulme said.
PSPI is the sole official electricity distributor operating in Barangay Port Barton, Palawan. As a Qualified Third Party (QTP) provider, they generate and distribute power to the community through a microgrid system that combines solar and diesel generators.
Redulme explained that there are two sources of funds for its operations including the Subsidized Approved Retail Rate (SARR) which is collected directly from the customers and the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME) subsidy.
“Delays in UCME subsidy payments does not justify the implementation of rotational brownouts,” the Napocor emphasized, assuring the San Vicente mayor that there will be no rotational power outages in Port Barton.
Redulme further said that PSPI has an obligation to ensure continuous power supply in Port Barton.
“PSPI Port Barton has obligations under its QTP contract and applicable regulatory issuances particularly its responsibility to ensure continuous and reliable power supply operations including maintaining adequate fuel inventory and implementing operational contingencies,” he said.
Port Barton is a peaceful coastal village in San Vicente, Palawan. As a tourism destination famous for its uncrowded white-sand beaches it is offering a laid-back, back-to-basics alternative to El Nido.