For a change from the two-cornered competition in most of the biddings being undertaken by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), influx of interests may be expected this time for the appointment of independent power producers (IPPAs) for the 345-megawatt San Roque, 70-MW Bakun and 30-MW Benguet hydro power plants.

This early, two companies have already signified interests – the Aboitiz Group and Trans-Asia Oil and Development Corp of the Phinma Group.

“We’re still looking at different hydros, so it’s Angat and the IPPAs,” Aboitiz Power president and CEO Erramon Aboitiz said.

In their case, Trans-Asia president and CEO Francisco L. Viray noted that they are eyeing the hydro IPPAs and also the Bacon-Manito geothermal plant when offered in the auction block.

In the tender notice issued by PSALM for the hydro IPPAs, it directed prospective bidders to submit letters of interest (LOI) not later than September 18; while due diligence process starts on September 14.