PNG Power Limited (PPL) is implementing an emergency load shedding across Port Moresby city and Central Province due to a current shortfall in electricity generation.
This measure is essential to maintain system stability while efforts are underway to restore full power generation after Dirio Gas & Power Company Limited pulled the plug on its power supply to the city’s power grid due to nonpayment of bills owed by PNG Power to the company.
The load shedding is occurring in 3 to 4-hour intervals, and the schedule has been made available on all PNG Power social media platforms.
PNG Power further stated that the shortfall in power generation is primarily due to Dirio suspending its power supply to PPL on Friday, September 27th. PPL is actively engaging with Dirio to resolve the issues affecting the power supply and aims to find a mutually beneficial solution promptly.
In addition to this issue, global economic conditions and market fluctuations have also impacted PPL’s operational costs, including inflation, a shortage of foreign exchange within PNG, and rising fuel costs driven by global uncertainties. Additionally, unpaid electricity bills and unfunded community service obligations continue to strain PPL’s financial resources.
PPL requires immediate additional funding to reduce its outstanding debt and modernize its infrastructure.
Despite these hurdles, PPL is committed to restoring normal power supply while working closely with suppliers and developing strategic solutions to secure more sustainable fuel arrangements, ensuring long-term stability in generation capacity.
PPL remains dedicated to minimizing disruptions focused on finding long-term solutions to mitigate the effects of external market forces on its operations, limiting
the impact on customers.
According to PNG Power Board of Directors McRonald Nale, PPL continues to operate with strong support from the Marape Rosso Government, Kumul Consolidated
Holding (KCH), and multilateral partners to enhance power reliability across the country.
Mr. Nale concluded by mentioning that the contributions of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are highly valued, as they play a crucial role in generating electricity for major grids. PPL will maintain its partnerships with IPPs under fair and equitable terms for both parties.