CLP Power is reportedly stockpiling costly diesel as a contingency for fuel, as it needs several months to repair its Castle Peak coal power plant that was damaged by Typhoon Vicente late last month.
That has sparked concerns of a possible rise in the electricity tariff due to higher fuel costs. A concern group is urging the government to release more information.
An industry insider said CLP had been buying more diesel than usual in the typhoon's wake.
The news emerged a day after a local newspaper reported growing speculation within the transport industry that CLP's increased fuel purchases had caused the recent rise in diesel prices.
A CLP Power spokeswoman declined to give details about its recent diesel purchases, nor did she respond to questions about whether electricity tariffs would rise as a result.
She also would not confirm whether the power plant was already burning diesel, only saying that its fuel-mix strategy 'allows for a back-up plan such as utilisation of ultra-low-sulphur diesel at other generating units as a substitute during the temporary suspension of coal supply to Castle Peak'.
The plan also includes back-up support from Hongkong Electric and other power sources if necessary.