DMCI cuts Masbate power supply as unpaid bills reach P240M

DMCI Masbate Power Corp. (DMPC) on Wednesday cut power supply to the island province of Masbate due to unpaid bills of the electric cooperative which sells electricity to the province.

"We regret to advise the Masbate Electric Cooperative (MASELCO) and its customers that DMCI Masbate Power Corp. is compelled to discontinue its power supply to MASELCO effective May 31 at 8:30 a.m. due to non-payment of outstanding bills in the total amount of P240 million," the wholly-owned subsidiary of Consunji-led DMCI Power Corp. said in a notice to MASELCO.

The unpaid bills excludes a partial payment of P20 million the cooperative remitted on May 30.

"Despite our repeated request for payment and demand letters, we have yet to receive any firm commitment from MASELCO on when the said arrears will be settled in full," DMCI Masbate said.

"We urge MASELCO and its customers to undertake the necessary preparations and alternative arrangements to minimize the inconvenience that will result from this power supply disconnection. We appeal to all those concerned for their understanding," it added.

To ensure the immediate return of power supply in Masbate, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) said it will take over MASELCO.

"NEA will take over the MASELCO management immediately, and assures the customers in Masbate of the return of power supply within the day," NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong said told GMA News Online. — VDS, GMA News