Alotau will now experience have more the enough electricity capacity to power the township including the surrounding arears of the town after PNG Power announced the successful commissioning of three (3) new 1-megawatt generators in Alotau, Milne Bay Province.
The commissioning of the new generators marks a significant milestone in the province’s journey toward achieving reliable electricity for its residents, businesses, and government services.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Alotau Power Station recently, was attended by Alotau Governor Gordon Wesley, Alotau Open MP Ricky Morris, provincial administration officials, and representatives from PNG Power.
PNG Power Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Pekaea expressed his appreciation for the support of the Alotau Provincial Administration under the leadership of, Hon. Governor, Wesley for acquiring these generators for his province.
Alotau’s existing 1.6 megawatts of generation capacity would be increased by the three (3) brand-new, 728KW generators thus the installation of these generators increases Alotau’s electricity capacity from 1.6 megawatts to 2.2 megawatts, addressing the growing demand for power in the provincial capital and surrounding areas.
The efficiency of the provincial capital’s energy generation and consumption will be improved after constant load shedding due to generation shortfall.
“We are grateful for the support from the Alotau Provincial Administration and the continuous support from the Marape-Rosso Government, which has made this project possible,” said Pekaea.
Governor Wesley expressed his gratitude to PNG Power for their commitment to improving electricity supply in Alotau.
He also expressed the importance of this project in driving economic growth, improving public services, and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Milne Bay.
“My government is fully committed to supporting this electricity project and ensuring that Alotau and the wider province have access to reliable power supply.”
“I am liaising with PNG Power to prepare proposals and costings to meet the increasing energy demands of my province.”
Alotau MP, Morris also expressed similar sentiments, reaffirming his commitment to partnering with the provincial government and stakeholders to bring tangible development to the district and province.
“I am ready to support projects that will benefit our people and contribute to the growth of Milne Bay Province.”
Meanwhile, the Acting CEO, Mr. Pakaea said that the operation of the ageing generation, line distribution infrastructure and fuel deliveries to the power stations throughout PNG, together with other operational running costs, needed to be addressed for PNG Power to retain and preserve electricity reliability.
Pekaea further elaborated that this kind of partnership with the Alotau Provincial Administration can be replicated across all thermal centres in PNG to improve energy reliability and ensure that our people have access to consistent power supply.
Thermal centres include Alotau, Wabag, Kerema, Daru, and other centres that rely on generators (fuel based) to generate electricity.