MANILA, Philippines—State-run National Power Corp. assured the provincial government of Batanes, on Tuesday, that it could provide sufficient fuel to run the power facilities on the island.
Napocor made such claims to combat allegations of an acute power shortage in the island grid of Batanes, given the irregular deliveries of fuel by the government power firm, which has been operating the facilities there through its small power utilities group (SPUG).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Napocor said that to the contrary, there have been regular deliveries of fuel to the island.
“In fact, the last time fuel was brought there to augment existing power supply was last July 14. About 60,000 liters were delivered, with 54,000 liters to immediately follow. Other fuel deliveries are scheduled on a regular basis to ensure the continuous and unabated provision of power service,” Napocor explained.
“Deliveries, however, were affected by inclement weather which creates huge waves that causes instability. These huge waves make it difficult for fuel delivery vessels, affecting their stability,” it further said.
“Rest assured, Napocor is doing the best that it can, given its current financial condition, to make sure that all the service areas under its jurisdiction will receive continuous power supply service, as mandated by its charter,” the corporation added.
Earlier this year, Napocor found itself unable to pay the fuel suppliers for its SPUG facilities due to budgetary constraints, resulting in the utility being barred from conducting any fundraising activities and the lower charges being collected from power consumers for missionary electrification.