PNG Power aims to roll out 30,000 power connections in 2019 as part of the rural electrification roll-out.
Acting Managing Director, Carolyn Blacklock, said this represents around 240,000 people.
She announced this during the MOU signing of a power project for Tambul-Nebilyer.
Blacklock said in the past, PPL have not been good implementers. However, this year she said they have done 10 times better than previous years.
Next year PPL is aiming for 30,000 connections at 8 people per connection, amounting to 240,000 people.
“Next year we would join around a quarter of a million people to the grid of PNG Power. The year after we want to double that again,” she stated.
“So we are going to have to continue to double every year for about four years until we are able to do 125,000 connections a year and we’ll need to sustain that for another 7 years to reach the 6 million, who currently we think live within the vicinity of the existing grid, or living within a few kilometers of that existing grid.
“And not just run poles and lines, but connect them through easipay and MSK metres,” she said.
Blacklock added PPL aims to add street and markets lights for people to appreciate the utility more.
“Street lighting and lighting over markets is something PNG Power wants to add to that.
“We know that when people can see power, even if they are not connected, but they can enjoy in the community, they’re less likely to damage the power lines and more likely to appreciate electricity.”
The Acting Manager Director said under the PPL restructure, there will be a director level person for electrification which may be upgraded to chief electrification officer.