ERC to step into Clark Power, Napocor row

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said yesterday it would intervene in the case between Clark Power Corp. (CPC) and National Power Corp. (Napocor) to avoid possible power interruption within the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ).

"ERC is mandated to ensure the continuous supply of energy," ERC chairman Manuel R. Sanchez said, noting the adverse economic impact of cutting power supply to CSEZ.

Earlier, Napocor issued a notice of disconnection on CPC due to alleged non-payment of its power bills amounting to P71 million, consisting of contested and uncontested billings of P26 million and P45 million, respectively.

To prevent the power shutoff in the CSEZ, ERC held a pre-hearing conference on July 1, 2003. At that meeting, Napocor stopped the disconnection after CPC offered to settle the uncontested billing.

The parties also agreed to set another conference to discuss the contested amount of P26 million representing back billings arising from the reclassification of CPC from "Other Utility" to "Non-Utility."

In a related development, the National Transmission Corp. (Transco) also issued a notice of disconnection to CPC for its alleged non-payment of transmission charges. CPC protested the disconnection, arguing that it has paid P14.3 million erroneously to Napocor. It then requested Napocor to remit said amount to Transco.

Meanwhile, Sanchez announced that the impending power shutoff in Metro Cebu will soon be settled.