The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (NEPR) ordered LUMA Energy, Genera PR and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to answer a fourth information request about their fuel cost calculations, days before a scheduled conference on a proposed six-cent-per-kilowatt-hour increase to electricity bills. The Resolution and Order, issued September 25, requires the entities to explain differences between two fuel cost projections, how gas quantities (available, consumed, billed and credited) were calculated, and details on the natural gas supply interruption at San Juan delivery points since September 16, plus the operation of diesel units.
The Bureau questioned whether billed-but-unconsumed gas costs were included in the fuel adjustment reconciliation, given that gas wasn’t available at San Juan delivery points when the projection assumed several units would run mainly on natural gas. A virtual technical conference is set for Monday, September 28 at 10:00 AM, following LUMA’s request last week for an increase that could reach $48 on residential bills and $70 on commercial bills.
Full responses are due by Tuesday, September 29, with any incomplete answers requiring identification of who holds the missing data and when it will be delivered. The entities must also report, without further order, any changes in gas supply, fuel projections, or vessel arrivals/departures related to the San Juan terminal.