Residents and business houses in Port Moresby city and parts of Central province now have full electricity supply once again after it was restored following a shortfall experienced over the weekend that led to an emergency power loadshedding.
PNG Power Limited (PPL) in a statement says this was made possible after the National Court on Monday 30th September, ordered the immediate restoration of electricity supply from Dirio Gas & Power Company Limited (Dirio) to the transmission grid.
The key points of the Court Orders are as follows:
· The court ordered that Dirio restore electricity supply from its power station near the PNGLNG Liquefaction plant at Papa Lealea, Central province, to PPL’s Port Moresby electricity transmission grid without delay.
· Dirio is restrained from shutting down or reducing its electricity generation capacity below 30 megawatts to the Port Moresby Electrification Transmission Grid until the court reaches a final decision.
· These orders are temporary and will remain in effect until 9th October 2024. The court has adjourned the proceedings to this date for further review and to determine whether the interim orders should continue.
PNG Power then in that statement reaffirmed its commitment to supply electricity to its customers.
“We are committed to ensuring a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply to all PPL customers. We recognize the importance of collaboration and open dialogue in the energy sector. To that end, we will work closely with Dirio to find a mutually agreeable solution to the matters currently in dispute.”
“Constructive engagement is essential for the prosperity of our nation and the well- being of our communities. Our focus remains on delivering reliable and affordable electricity services while upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility.”
Meanwhile, Dirio initially had to pull the plug on its supply to the Port Moresby electricity grid on Friday 27th September at midday. The reason being that PNG Power owes the landowner company a substantial amount of outstanding bills for the supply of power; over K240 million.