CUC said it needed at least $1.2 million. The administration on Thursday could only raise $300,000.
Reyes said the administration has already briefed the Legislature about the situation and asked that they help by enacting the austerity bill and a separate measure that would authorize the governor to reprogram funds.
“According to the information that we received, CUC is now beginning to tap into the fuel charges — even the funds that are reserved for purchasing spare parts and the maintenance operations of the engines,” Reyes told the Variety.
He said the looming power crisis could be avoided if the governor is allowed to reprogram funds and a bill is passed to reduce the work hours of government employees.
“The governor informed us that he needs special measures from the Legislature. For example, the reprogramming authority that the governor is asking and the austerity measure. Those are the two main things that they are asking,” the senator said.
CUC has asked the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission to allow it to increase power rates as well as charge consumers for their actual consumption of water.
Further, CUC is also asking CPUC to impose charges for its sewer services.
