Power utility PPC is looking to claim compensation for keeping its loss-incurring coal generators in operation to help meet the country’s electricity needs.

The utility aims to seek compensation through an EU cost-recovery mechanism for as long as its existing lignite-fired power stations will need to keep operating until a planned withdrawal procedure for these units is completed by 2023.

A strategic reserve capacity being used in Germany is being looked at by state-controlled PPC.

PPC chief executive Giorgos Stassis made the request to the Greek government, which in turn has relayed the matter to Brussels.

European Commission officials, who have held talks on the matter with energy ministry officials, have not responded favorably to the Greek request. On the contrary, they believe Greece owes amounts related to the country’s insistence on using coal generators as a European Court decision has not been implemented.

PPC has also made note of a compensation plan for gas-fueled power stations on the islands that are expected to be interconnected. The power utility believes it will be entitled to compensation if the operation of these units is deemed necessary for grid emergency back-up reasons.

The power utility also claims it would be entitled to compensation for any unrecovered amount of its investment in these gas-fueled power stations if they happen to be withdrawn prematurely.