A looming total shutdown of power operations in Port Barton was averted after local and provincial government officials coordinated with concerned agencies and power stakeholders following concerns raised by the Port Barton Small Power Utilities Inc. (PSPI).
In a statement released by the Barangay Council of Port Barton, officials said Barangay Captain Marvin Ballesteros immediately coordinated with San Vicente councilor Melvin Ballesteros after PSPI announced on social media the possibility of a “total system shutdown” of its operations in the barangay.
The concern was relayed to the provincial government of Palawan, which, through the office of Gov. Amy Roa Alvarez and lawyer Jeff Sahagon, reportedly coordinated with the National Power Corporation to address the situation.
According to the statement, the municipal government also sent letters to the NPC, the Department of Energy, Palawan Electric Cooperative, and PSPI requesting immediate action to prevent the shutdown.
On May 13, San Vicente Mayor Ramir Pablico, municipal employees, and representatives from a renewable energy company visited Port Barton to discuss possible solutions with barangay officials and PSPI representatives.
The renewable energy firm reportedly offered potential green energy options that could help sustain PSPI operations, although the proposal still requires approval from the company’s main office.
The following day, Vice Mayor Maria Carmen Silagan and councilor Melvin Ballesteros met with NPC-SPUG Palawan Manager Engr. Fred Barrios to discuss the issue.
The barangay statement said Barrios clarified that subsidy remittances from the agency to PSPI were being released correctly and on time, and assured local officials that he would coordinate directly with PSPI representatives.
Barangay officials also met with PALECO General Manager Engr. Rez Contrivida regarding damaged electric posts from Abaroan to Pamuayan caused by recent storms.
Contrivida reportedly assured officials that a repair team would be deployed immediately to restore the lines as part of contingency measures should PSPI operations stop.
The statement noted that while Port Barton remains an exclusive waived area under PSPI operations, PALECO is still willing to coordinate possible cooperation to help provide electricity services in the barangay.
At around 2 p.m. on May 14, Engr. Barrios reportedly informed councilor Ballesteros that while PSPI would not yet return to 24/7 operations, the company would no longer proceed with the planned total shutdown.
“The Barangay Government and the residents of Port Barton are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support and help our barangay,” the statement said.
