LOW WATER LEVEL CUTS PPL POWER GENERATION

CAPTION: PPL Minister Richard Maru recent meet with PNG Power Limited Chief Executive Officer and Chief Network Officer.

THE National Capital District and Central Province are currently experiencing load shedding due to reduced hydro water levels, with the Rouna and Edevu hydro schemes scaled back during the dry season causing Edevu Hydro Power Plant to generate just 14 megawatts from its installed capacity of 54 megawatts.

With this situation at hand, PNG Power Limited Chief Executive Officer and Chief Network Officer met with PNG Power Minister Richard Maru yesterday to discuss dry season energy security measures as low water levels continue affect electricity generation in the Port Moresby grid.

Minister Maru says the reduction in hydro generation has increased reliance on independent power producers NiuPower and Dirio to maintain electricity supply to the capital and surrounding areas.

The Minister will take a submission to Cabinet this week seeking approval for a supplementary budget to support PPL’s dry season energy security measures and sustain power generation during the period of reduced water availability.

He says reliable electricity supply remains critical for hospitals, schools, water and sanitation services, public safety, businesses and also supports the State’s broader electrification objectives.

Meanwhile, the Government is preparing to announce a 25-megawatt solar power project at Wawin in Morobe Province next weekend.

The project is expected to supply the Ramu Grid within five months and reduce reliance on Munum Power Station, which Minister Maru says is contributing to significant losses for PPL.