The Senate will conduct a hybrid public hearing today, March 20, to discuss issues raised in Senate Resolution No. 512 which calls for an inquiry into the alleged violations of the San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company Inc. (SFELAPCO).
Senator Raffy Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, has invited City of San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag to attend the hearing at the Senator Laurel Room today.
Senate Resolution No. 512 seeks the creation of an “Appropriate Committee of the Senate to Undertake an Inquiry in Aid of Legislation on the Alleged Violation of SFELAPCO in Including the Power Supply Agreement in the Retail Rates without the Approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).”
Earlier, the ERC ordered the SFELAPCO to reimburse some P654,397,381.48 million to consumers representing the collected generation fees from 2014 to 2022.
ERC has also ordered SFELAPCO to pay P21,600,000 penalty for violating regulations.
The ERC decision is not final and executory.
Caluag said the ERC decision is considered a “victory” as it unraveled alleged violations of SFELAPCO. Caluag is hoping the issues will be resolved this year.
ERC said SFELAPCO implemented a Power Supply Agreement with AP Renewables Inc. without approval from the commission.
The ERC said SPELAPCO also violated regulations by collecting “Other Charges” such as line rental charges, site-specific loss adjustment, and WESM charges.
“Ito pong desisyon ng ERC ay panalo na kami,” according to Caluag. “This is a stroke of luck. Gusto lang natin na humingi ng tulong para labanan ang pagtaas nila ng singil pero mas malaki pa pala ang problema.”