80% OF PNG POPULATION LACKS ELECTRICITY ACCESS

BY MARTINA TAKANENG

EIGTHY percent of the population in rural areas of Papua New Guinea are still not connected to the electricity service as revealed by Ronald Meketa, Managing Director of National Energy Authority (NEA) Managing Director

Mr Maketa revealed this during the launching of five new core energy regulations this week.

Meketa described that 80 percent of PNG is not linked to power, and it is a challenge for the government, the energy sector, and the people of Papua New Guinea to provide those services to the people.

He added that the aim is to bring practical changes that promote long-term energy security and sustainable development for the nation.

Maketa stressed that to address these gaps, the NEA has introduced a new Off-Grid Small Power Systems Regulation designed to make electricity more affordable and accessible in rural areas.