The United States (US) Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided support to PNG Power Limited (PPL) to design and implement its Amnesty Initiative.
The initiative has added over 30, 000 new customers to PPL’s customer registry to date, which generated additional revenue for the utility of over K1 million from 2022 to 2023.
USAID Country Representative, Nino Nadiradze stated that ongoing revenue created by these new registrations is expected to top several million Kina per year.
“The United States is committed to helping PPL increase revenue, build their customer base, and improve service.”
“Increased revenue from customers can support PPL making necessary infrastructure investments to support the Government of PNG as it works to meet its goal of 70% electrification by 2030.”
PPL General Manager Retail, Mr. Kingston Albert said that thanks to PPL’s Amnesty Initiative, they’ve successfully enrolled consumers who have voluntarily registered and pledged to fulfill their monthly energy bills.
“Our efforts to uncover illegal connections persist, and we will take appropriate action against those who refuse to comply with payment obligations.”
Additionally, prior to the Amnesty Initiative, PPL was suffering from a 26% to 30% energy loss due to over 100, 000 illegal connections, including many large businesses. The Amnesty Initiative allows customers who were previously connecting to PPL’s grid illegally to register as customers without penalties, back bills, or service fees.
These new customers receive a fixed monthly bill based on their household profile and receive more consistent, reliable power than their previous illegal connections provided.
Furthermore, the quality of service has converted non-paying electricity consumers into responsible payees, which means that increased PPL revenue will continue on a monthly basis.
The Amnesty Initiative has reduced illegal connections by almost one-third.
PPL, through a collaboration with MiBank has also made it easier for customers to pay their energy bills. Customers can now pay bills via MiBank agents nationwide, including at retail stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
Meanwhile, the Amnesty Initiative is ongoing and those wishing to register may call 116, contact PPL on WhatsApp at 70001009, or via email at amnesty@pngpower.com.pg. More information can be found at www.pngpower.com.pg/amnesty.