Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón said on Monday, November 9, that she expects to define this week which companies will supply natural gas to the San Juan power plants. The Oversight Board has still not approved a proposal to ease the November and December increases in electricity bills. She said meetings were held last week with Crowley and Naturgy, while other companies are being examined to guarantee supply and replace the diesel currently used at the San Juan plants.
González Colón said her administration maintains a court claim of more than $100 million against New Fortress Energy for alleged failure to supply fuel. She said the government will not unilaterally cancel the contract while the litigation continues: "Therefore, the government of Puerto Rico should not void a contract because we would affect our claim, which is for more than $100 million. So we are waiting for the court to rule."
She said the contract provision allowing other suppliers includes a fee for using the dock operated by New Fortress, but rejected that this means paying twice for the same fuel, calling it a nominal charge for dock use that exists in all jurisdictions. On bill relief, she confirmed the Board has not authorized the alternatives her administration submitted, aimed at residential and commercial customers.
One involves the IVU (sales and use tax), which she estimated at $45 to $50 million, and another, broader one is directed at electric bills. She said she hopes to meet with the Board this week so the measures can be authorized.