DOE urged to scrap CSP exemption for pioneer nuke plant

A consumer group is pressing the Department of Energy (DOE) to remove the exemption that allows the country's first operational nuclear power plant (NPP) to bypass competitive bidding for supply deals.

- By BRIX LELIS

The National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (Nasecore) strongly opposed a DOE circular's provision enabling distribution utilities (DUs) to procure power from the pioneer NPP even without undergoing a competitive selection process (CSP).

The move would “deny and deprive consumers of their statutory right to least-cost power and expose them to long-term financial burdens resulting from noncompetitive procurement,” the group said in a letter to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

The STAR obtained a copy of the letter, which was also furnished to President Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Faustino Dy III.