The provincial government has issued an RFP for the supply of fuel to residents of St. Brendan’s.
Last month it was revealed that North Atlantic had made the decision to cease service to several rural communities, and while solutions had been found for the others, St. Brendan’s was left without a supplier.
With the cold winter months fast approaching government is now looking for interested companies to submit proposals for the delivery of furnace oil to customers.
The province says they will not be party to any contract resulting from the RFP, noting that its intent is to facilitate a relationship between residents and a supplier.
If a company can be found, residents may or may not choose to participate.
Government is blunt in laying out the challenges with servicing the area. They say there are 47 registered furnace oil tanks on St. Brendan’s, and challenges remain with oil distribution including “a small and decreasing customer base, fuel pricing margins, driver availability and scheduling, ferry scheduling, and servicing other regional customers.”
The RFP closes next Monday, November 4th at noon.