Capitol helps solve power problem with P15M loan

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol has granted Bantayan Electric Cooperative (Banelco) and Bantayan Island Power Corporation (Bipcor) a P15 million loan for the payment of their unpaid fuel bills to Petron Corp.

With this, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday said that power supply in Bantayan Island would continue without brownouts.

“Henceforth, makapadayun gihapon ang operations sa Bipcor aron walay rotating brownouts or wala’y power rationing, (BipCor may now continue with their operations without rotating brownouts or power rationing.)” Garcia told reporters.

Last Thursday evening, Garcia met with National Power Corporation president Froilan Tampingco, fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Atty. Joel Bontuyan of the Energy Regulatory Commission, three mayors of Bantayan Island and representatives of Banelco and Bantayan Island Power Corporation (Bipcor).

Consumers in Bantayan Island can expect a slight increase in their electricity bills within two years, the term given to Banelco to pay back the province with certain interest.

She said that the mayors agreed to the proposed increase of around P.35 to P.39 centavos.

On Monday, Garcia is set to meet the Banelco board together with the Capitol finance team to determine the increase in the electricity bill.

Petron was supposed to stop supplying fuel to Bantayan Island’s power generator and gave until last May 31 for Banelco and Bipcor to pay their unpaid fuel bills.

Upon the request of Garcia, Petron extended their supply until June 15 to give time to come up with a solution.

Garcia met Bipcor and Petron representatives last Tuesday to let them know that the Province of Cebu is trying to come up with a solution but this may take time.

The formula adopted by the Province of Cebu and Napocor in solving the power problem in Camotes Island, was discussed.

The Province of Cebu worked with Napocor in solving the same situation with the Camotes Island Electric Cooperative (Celco) in which the cooperative was allowed to avail of a loan from the Capitol.

 Garcia emphasized the need for the province to intervene in Bantayan Island’s power problem to prevent power outages which will directly affect the tourism, marine, hog and egg industries, and the lives of the residents.  (FREEMAN)