Napocor mulls private sector effort in small island grids.

In a bid to remove about P1 billion in annual subsidy for the delivery of electricity service in the small island groups, the National Power Corp. (Napocor) is accepting proposals from the private sector to undertake development projects in these areas.

Energy Secretary and Napocor chairman Mario V. Tiaoqui told BusinessWorld in an interview that, at present, the delivery of power service in these areas - considered unviable by the sector - is being handled by Napocor through the Strategic Power Utilities Group (SPUG).

Mr. Tiaoqui said due to Napocor's serious financial problems, it is now considering pulling out the annual subsidy of about P1 billion to help …