Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PNG Power Limited (PPL) Mr. Paul Bayly has confirmed that the generation of electricity in Port Moresby will continue to increase over the coming weeks and months through ongoing repairs and infrastructure upgrades, as well as increased rainfall for hydroelectricity generation.
Mr. Bayly confirmed that following the Konedobu substation fire, PNG Power teams have overcome remaining obstacles to restoring service.
He said that work is almost complete to reconnect all of the downtown area, as well as Hohola and Gordons, after some logistical delays.
“The Konedobu Substation fire was serious and caused substantial outages in Port Moresby requiring new equipment to be brought in and connected.”
“Fortunately, the infrastructure that has been installed or upgraded has replaced old equipment and will serve the city for many years into the future.”
“This includes a containerized control system and upgrades to distribution lines that will improve power distribution.”
In addition, he said that replacing decades-old infrastructure and expanding the grid for an increasing population is a challenge but are meeting this head-on.
Mr. Bayly provided a positive outlook for Port Moresby power supplies moving into the wet season with anticipated solid rainfall feeding the Rouna Hydro Plant.
“The additional rain will flow into the Brown River basin and further increase hydroelectricity generation.”
“Around half of the power in the city is from hydrogenators, so with higher river flows increasing additional electricity is generated.”
“Rain levels are ten times higher during the wet season than in the dry months in the middle of the year.”
Moreover, upgrades are also underway at the Rouna Hydro Plant that will provide additional electricity supply going into 2026.
The Rouna 3 Hydropower Station restoration is nearing completion to be back in operation after being shut for 14 months and it will generate 12MW of electricity.
“Rouna 1 will be bought back online after four years out of service will start with one 6MW turbine being commissioned by end 2025.”
“Our Rouna 1 and 3 Hydropower station will be online before the end of this year, with Rouna 1 generating 6MW and Rouna 3 generating 12MW.”
“This is investment by the Government to update or replace infrastructure that is outdated and will deliver more power to the people and businesses of the capital.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Bayly said that PNG Power is working to overcome the challengers of the increasing demand by rolling out the most significant infrastructure investment in more than a generation.
“With the ever-increasing population around the country, as well as much greater business activity as the economy grows, demand for electricity is increasing at a faster rate than ever before.”
“The National Government, through the State Enterprises Minister William Duma, has directed that PNG Power must keep pace with rising demand and this is taking place through additional support from the National budget.”
“Current peak output in Port Moresby is 155MW, and for the population and business activities when power production is at its peak, we will have an available of 176MW and we are on target to achieve this goal.”
Furthermore, he said that it is the same story for every population centre around the country where demand continues to increase in which they are now expanding access to electricity for people who have never had power.
“This is through the expansion of existing power grids, and the creation of off-grid energy production. These include solar, hydro, wind and geo-thermal power generation.”
“The bottom line is that we are working to deliver uninterrupted power supply to as many people as we can from cities to the most remote villages.”
“We are under no illusion of quick fixes with there being a mountain of work ahead, and we have the right teams of engineers and staff in place to deliver more power for the Nation.”
Mr. Bayly thanked the public and businesses in the areas affected for their patience as his teams worked around the clock to restore power.
