The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) denied accusations that the power crisis in Occidental Mindoro was due to red tape.

“The ERC has always been mindful of its responsibility to timely act on applications filed before it to ensure continuous supply of electricity to consumers,” ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

Earlier, House Resolution No. 34, a bill authored by Congressman Leody Tarriela sought for an investigation over the issue.

Eleanor Costibolo, president of the Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Omeco), said that the power crisis in Occidental Mindoro is not due to the mismanagement of the supply, but by red tape on the part of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the National Power Corp. (NPC).

Costibolo made the made the assertion during a hearing conducted on Tuesday by the House Committee on Energy.

She added that it would also be unfair to blame the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the mess.

“Sir, this problem cannot be solved by just Omeco. We know that the problem is also with the government,” Costibolo said.

OMPC is the operator of the bunker-fired diesel power plant in San Jose town.

Several Occidental Mindoro towns began getting blackouts since the power supply agreement between Omeco and OMPC was stopped.

According to the ERC, they had been diligent on their efforts to facilitate the issuance of Certificates of Compliance (COCs) or Provisional Authorities to Operate

(PAOs) in favor of generation facilities located in the Province of Occidental Mindoro because of the power situation in the area.

“In fact, the Commission has been closely coordinating with all concerned stakeholders, particularly with Occidental Mindoro Consolidated Power Corporation (OMCPC), the supplier in the area, on the status of its generating facilities supplying or will supply to OMECO. Technical inspections were conducted as soon as the commissioning of the facilities were done,” the ERC statement said.

However, the ERC said that the issuance of COC or grant of PAO is hinged on the generation company’s submission of requirements in order for the Commission to act on its application to allow it to provisionally operate.

Catherine R. Cueto