PREB says it was not allowed to explain rate hike in public hearing

Puerto Rico Energy Bureau Associate Commissioner Antonio Torres Miranda said: “This was our chance to clarify why the [electricity rate] increases occur and what actions we are taking.”

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) Associate Commissioner Antonio Torres Miranda stated on Tuesday that the commissioners arrived prepared for the public hearing convened by the House Government Committee, but they were not allowed to present their information or explain the reasons behind the electricity rate increase.

Torres Miranda insisted that the PREB was ready to answer any questions regarding the rate increases, pensions and provisional adjustments. However, he noted that the process could not proceed due to the absence of PREB President Edison Avilés, who is currently on vacation abroad.

“It’s unfortunate that we cannot provide the public with an explanation because we are unable to go to the media,” Torres Miranda said in a press statement. “This was our chance to clarify why the increases occur and what actions we are taking.”

“Under oath, we have confirmed that Edison Avilés had scheduled this vacation before the subpoena was issued. The subpoena arrived on a Thursday, and [otherwise] he could have been here on Tuesday. He left everything prepared for us,” he added. “We haven’t slept at all preparing for the hearing, yet we weren’t even given the chance to express ourselves.”

Torres Miranda said the hearing would have allowed the PREB commissioners to explain that the regulatory entity identified $68 million that could potentially be returned to consumers in the coming months. That includes $41 million from the federal Energy Department and an additional $27 million due to breaches of natural gas supply contracts.

“We are continuously seeking ways to return money to the public,” he said. “We do not want any additional increases. The commissioners are Puerto Ricans, and we face the same difficulties as the people.”

Torres Miranda also clarified that the increase approved by the PREB is a result of rising fuel costs and disruptions in the natural gas supply, including issues related to the ongoing lawsuit concerning New Fortress Energy barges.

“As long as this lawsuit is pending, we will continue to burn diesel, which contributes to the rate increase,” he noted. “We estimate that approximately 27 million euros could be returned if the supplier defaults. That money will be deferred until November 1st.”

The Government Committee, chaired by Rep. Víctor Parés Otero, had summoned the PREB chairman and the four commissioners to explain the increase of some 16.25 euros in the electricity rate. Parés Otero had warned that the legislative body would review the minutes and decisions that led to the adjustment.

The PREB reiterated in its written statement that the rate adjustment is primarily due to the rising costs of fuel and energy purchases and that it is evaluating additional adjustments for customers as soon as the federal funds and identified refunds are confirmed.