The San Fernando Energy and Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) announced its competitive selection process (CSP) has begun with several power firms expressing interest in supplying stable and affordable energy.
Other interested power companies have until March 31 to obtain bidding documents. SFELAPCO is already on its final stage of the bidding process.
“Nag-umpisa po kaming nakaka-receive ng notice from other generators na baka po mayroon na silang mababakanteng renewable source by the end of this year or early next year,” Jose Lazatin, SFELAPCO senior vice president and general manager, said during an interview on CLTV 36. “Kaya sabi ko nga, parang masu-swertehan po tayo, baka mas marami pa po ang magbi-bid ngayon.”
The power distribution utility needs to finish the CSP before its Emergency Power Service Agreement (EPSA) with GN Power expires in June.
“We hope and we pray that it will be finished before the six months, barring any other unforeseen circumstances,” according to Lazatin.
Lazatin has also invited City of San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag to observe the selection process designed to choose the best option for the consumers of the city.
“Puwede po naming imbitahan ang Mayor para mag-witness, mag-observe po doon sa proseso ng bidding para po makita niya kung papaano po ka-transparent at kung papaano po namin hinahanap ang ano po ang pinakamabuti para sa mga Fernandino,” he said.
During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy, chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo, Lazatin pointed out that SFELAPCO provided its consumers with the lowest generation charge in Region III from 2013 to 2022, despite the ongoing global energy crisis.
“Mula 2013 hanggang 2022, very stable ang presyo namin. Doon lang po nagre-range sa 4.50 to 5.50. Doon po kami nag-stable habang lahat po ng utility na mga kapitbahay natin, nag-umpisang nagtaas, lalo na po noong 2021,” Lazatin said.
“Noong nagtaas ang coal, ang mga kapitbahay natin, nag-umpisa na po umakyat lahat ng presyo, pero kami po ang pinakamababa dahil na-maintain namin iyong 4.50 na presyo,” he added.
Lazatin attributed SFELAPCO’s low generation charge to its Power Supply Agreement with AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), which expired last Dec. 25, 2022 after it was not acted upon by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for 10 years.
While the additional generation charge implemented in February 2023 due to its EPSA with GN Power led to the increase in power rates, SFELAPCO still owns the second lowest price in the region.
“Kaya po, totoo na na-shock po ang mga tao sa San Fernando na biglang tumaas, paano po, nanggaling po kami sa mababang mababang presyo,” Lazatin pointed out.
Tulfo agreed with Lazatin’s pronouncement, saying SFELAPCO collects one of the lowest generation charges, compared to other power distributors in the region.
“SFELAPCO ang mababa pa rin kung tutuusin… kung isama ang VAT aabutin ng P8.80 kumpara sa ibang lugar na, meron ditong P9.13,” Tulfo said. (Press Release)