29 Electrical professionals sat for their 2 day Electrical examinations starting today in Kavieng, at the Niu Lodge.
New Ireland was chosen as the first province to host a regional examination for the Electrical Licensing examination under the recently established National Energy Authority.
The subjects examined are “Theory of Applied Electricity” and “PNG Wiring Rules.”
The Electrical professionals work in the resource sector including at Lihir, Simberi, Poliamba and other private contractors. 2 working with PNG Power flew in from Port Moresby.
Out of the 29 sitting for the exams 3 are females.
“ We will continue to conduct these examinations throughout the other regions of the country. It is of great importance that we have well equipped and certified professionals carrying out electrical installations in the energy sector. Whether its using fossil fuel or renewable energy like Solar power to create electricity we have to be on par with the rest of the world,” said Mr Maketa.
Acting Managing Director of NEA Ronald Meketa said the Energy sector and Electricity Industry in Papua New Guinea is coming under stricter regulation after the National Government set up the National Energy Authority in July, 2021.
“This means power generating firms and plants will have to adhere to industry best practices and technical standards when setting up operations. Professionals in the electrical sector will also have to be certified or have a license to be able to carry out installation work in PNG.”
Mr Meketa said applicants who sat for the exam had to pass a number of criteria’s which included being above 19 years of age, have completed an apprenticeship program, be a holder of an Electrical Trade Certificate, an Electrical Engineering graduate and must possess at least a minimum of five years of work experience.
“The electrical Licenses are recognized internationally and have to be renewed after every seven years. While all overseas electrical professionals will also be required to show the same certification when trying to work in Papua New Guinea. ”
The NEA is also striving to get more independent power suppliers on board to help solve the issue of constant power outages which PNG Power has failed to manage.
“For better management of Power distribution we have to have separate power producers and distributers. Unfortunately PNG Power has failed because it is doing everything and cannot manage the work load. NEA is on the path to rectify this issue by engaging a wider stakeholder approach which involves Provincial Governments and District Development Authorities too ,” said Mr Meketa.
The New Ireland Government and its administration welcomed the hosting of the regional examinations in Kavieng stating that such examinations would ensure that higher standards in safety and quality of work was adhered to when carrying out Electrical installations.