Month: August 2024

PPUC seeks OEK approval for $2.85M escrow account to settle Solar Pacific invoices

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By Kambes Kesolei

The Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) is requesting the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) to approve the appropriation of $2.85 million from the FY 2024 budget. These funds would be placed in a dedicated escrow account as mandated by the power purchase agreement (PPA) with Solar Pacific Pristine Power Inc.

PPUC Chairman Ngiratmetuchel Belechel informed Senate President Hokkon Baules in a letter dated July 31, 2024, that the state-owned utility company has started receiving invoices from Solar Pacific. He emphasized that while the budget authorizes the funds, specific appropriation is necessary to establish the escrow account, as required by the PPA upon the solar farm’s commercial operation.

“Because the language only states that it is authorized, and not appropriated, we are humbly writing to you to request appropriations of the funds because we have already begun receiving invoices from Solar Pacific Pristine Power, Inc.,” Belechel said.

Furthermore, Belechel highlighted that according to the power purchase agreement, the establishment and maintenance of the escrow account should have already occurred upon the commercial operation of the solar farm.

The PPUC’s agreement with Solar Pacific has been the subject of legislative scrutiny, with the Senate issuing subpoenas for documents related to the contract award and subsequent rate increases.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung visits Palau for diplomatic engagements

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By Kambes Kesolei

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is currently in Palau for an official visit, according to a diplomatic note from the Taiwan Embassy.

Foreign Minister Lin is leading a nine-member delegation that arrived yesterday at 4:00 p.m. and will be leaving today at 5:00 p.m.

During his visit, Mr. Lin will meet with Vice President Uduch Sengebau Senior, OEK leaders, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gustav Aitaro. He will not be meeting with President Surangel Whipps Jr., as the Palau president is attending the 29th International Seabed Authority (ISA) Assembly meeting in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Foreign Minister and his delegation visited the “One Stop Shop” Building and had a courtesy call with Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau Senior. They will also meet with leaders of the Palau National Congress at Ngerulmud and tour the Capitol Building. After Ngerulmud, they will visit the Taiwan Technical Mission in Aimeliik, specifically the “Horticultural Farm.”

An appreciation banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will take place in the afternoon. They will also visit the Palau National Aquaculture Center in Malakal.

Before departing, they will visit the Bai Rekeai in Aimeliik.