The American Samoa Government's payment of more than $200,000 last week didn't make much of a dent in its growing utility debt with the American Samoa Power Authority, which has reached just over $7 million.The amount of ASG's current debt to ASPA was the first question raised by Sen. Velega Savali Jr., during a Senate ASPA/TEO Committee hearing yesterday, where ASPA officials were called in to testify on various utility issues.ASPA chief financial officer Susana Fai'ivae told the committee - chaired by Velega - that the government made a $250,000 payment last week and this brings the current ASG debt to $7.2 million. She said this amount deals with local funds, while grant payments are up to date.(Under the annual budget, there are departments and agencies whose utilities are paid by federal grants).Responding to Velega's questions ASPA customer service manager Ryan Tuato'o explained that the average monthly utility bill to be covered with local funds is $500,000 while utility bills covered by grants are between $190,000 and $200,000.He said ASPA submits to the Treasury Department a monthly invoice for grant funding utility expenses, which are up to date in payment. He said it's been a year now since grant payments have been made on time, while the current $7.2 million debt is for local funds.\If ASG pays its bill on time