PNG Power Ltd (PPL) is taking steps to put a stop to illegal connections and power theft by moving towards implementing something new that is being used by other countries in the world.
PNG Power General Manager Retail, Mr. Kingston Albert, said the new devices should be brought into the country next year upon which PPL will commence roll out with the installations.
“We are looking into installing smart meters with SIM cards in them and if there is tampering done, the system itself will automatically notify us,” Mr Albert said.
“So, we are going towards that direction. Many countries have taken that path and we are also taking that path and we are already in the tender and evaluation stage, so that should be coming in soon,” Mr Albert added.
Mr. Albert said the new smart meters are expected to reach the country by early 2022.
“We should start to replace big meters like those in manufacturing, shops and supermarkets. All of these should start to see smart meters installed by next year,” Mr Albert said.