PNG Power Limited (PPL) recently commenced the Meter Boxing Project in the city of Port Moresby in an effort to combat power theft. This simple and very effective initiative is aimed at enhancing revenue generation and has yielded solid results with a twelve percent increase in revenue over the last six months in Port Moresby. This exercise is also aimed at recovering power losses through theft and improving financial sustainability for the company. According to the PPL Board of Directors Chairman, McRonald Nale, the implementation of the Meter Boxing Project marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s ongoing endeavors to address power theft, a persistent challenge that has long impacted the company's revenue collection and financial performance. “By installing tamper-resistant and secured meter boxes, we have effectively minimized instances of bypass and prevented unbilled electricity usage, ensuring accurate billing for all energy consumed by our customers.” "In the pilot stage, the dedicated teams worked tirelessly, making the most of limited resources to identify and prioritize areas most affected by power theft." Nale stated that they have successfully rectified over 200- meter boxes in Port Moresby through a systematic approach, with plans to cover an additional 1,500 customers. “This proactive and collaborative effort involved close engagement with our customers and respected electrical contractors, ensuring adherence to electrical safety standards.” The notable revenue improvement achieved in Port Moresby serves as a testament to PPL’s commitment to financial sustainability. Such growth in revenue empowers PPL to continue investing in critical infrastructure projects to address power reliability issues. “While we take pride in the accomplishments of the Meter Boxing Project and the impressive revenue increase, we recognize that our work remains ongoing.” In addition to this, Nale stressed that their dedication to reducing power theft in PNG and further improving revenue collection, remains steadfast. He further stated that for them to expedite coverage in Port Moresby and extend the initiatives to other regions of PNG, they have acquired ten new vehicles and established six additional teams to fast-track this exercise. “In collaboration with the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), we are resolutely combating power theft by prosecuting customers caught stealing electricity.” Meanwhile, Nale warned that any customer or PNG Power employee found to be involved in power theft would be dealt with severely. "Customers who are involved with power theft in their premises will be referred to the Police for criminal prosecution; in addition, they are required to pay back the bill before power is restored." "PNG Power employees aiding power theft will face internal disciplinary actions and criminal prosecution." "Police have already arrested a major customer with a history of repeated power theft offences in Port Moresby." "More arrests will be made subject to Police investigation." “Looking ahead, PNG Power is firmly committed to introducing other revenue protection initiatives, including the feeder team concept, smart metering, and other capital investment projects to improve power reliability." "PPL remains committed to providing reliable power to its customers throughout the country.”