State-run National Power Corp. (NPC) owes Petron Corp., the country’s lone refiner, P1.2 billion for diesel supplied to the power plants of the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) in the missionary areas.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said during yesterday’s Senate hearing the amount represents “only a partial due for the bills” because of the sharp increase in fuel prices.
“On the financial needs of Napocor for missionary electrification… Right now, we are just addressing the P1.2 billion that is owed by Napocor to Petron for the fuel,” Lotilla said.
“Universal charge for missionary electrification cannot sustain it even with a P0.20 increase. This is a difficult time for all of the parties but we will make sure that there is coordination among all agencies,” Lotilla said.