Bidding for 4 power barges fails

State-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) declared on Wednesday the bidding for four diesel-fired power barges a failure as only one bidder submitted an offer.

In a text message to reporters, PSALM president and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. said the lone offer came from ACTA Power Corp., a joint venture between the Ayala Group’s AC Energy Holdings and Phinma-led Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp.

Before the bidding, Ledesma said at least seven investor groups were keen on participating in the bidding for power barges 101, 102, 103 and 104.

Among those that have expressed interest were San Miguel Corp. and First Gen Corp.

According to Ledesma, PSALM will consider the immediate holding of a second round of bidding for the four power barges, as these are deemed crucial in stabilizing power supply in Mindanao.

“The conduct of a second round of bidding for the power barges will be taken up with the PSALM board of directors soon,” he said.

The four power barges, which can generate 32 megawatts each, were supposed to be stationed in Mindanao following their sale to shore up supply in the electricity-starved island.

Commissioned in 1981, power barges 101 and 102 are currently stationed at Bo. Obrero in Iloilo City, while power barges 103 and 104 are moored in Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo and at the Holcim Compound, Ilang, Davao City, respectively.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras earlier said he wanted the immediate sale of the four power barges so they could be immediately transferred to Mindanao and get them operational soon.