PNG Power Ltd wishes to correct recent information published in the media.
“PNG Power is carrying out several projects to improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply to its customers and it is important that the correct information is relayed to our valued customers,” says board chairman Andrew Ogil.
Firstly, an article in one of the dailies mentioned yesterday that Boroko and Gerehu substations were saturated so the Kilakila substation would relieve the pressure.
“This article was based on the speech I made during the signing ceremony between Malaysian company Pestech, who have won the contract to construct the Kilakila substation, and PNG Power,” states Ogil.
“I would like to point out here that there is no substation at Gerehu as yet.
“PNG Power signed a contract with Pestech of Malaysia on Monday, May 8, 2017, to construct a new substation at Kilakila in Port Moresby to relieve the excessive load from the Boroko and Kone substations and improve the reliability of the system.
“PNG Power is constructing a new substation at Gerehu in Port Moresby to relieve the already congested Waigani substation.”
Ogil says the Gerehu substation will also cater for the supply from the new 50Mw LNG Power Plant.
“PNG Power will construct a 21km double circuit 66kilovolt transmission line from Gerehu substation to connect the new LNG Power Plant onto the Port Moresby system.
“In the same article, I was quoted as saying a new 50Mw diesel power station at Mongi, outside Lae, would be commissioned this month.
“I want to correct that statement as the diesel power station is located at Munum and not Mongi.”
Ogil states that the 30Mw diesel power station at Munum, located several kilometres outside of Lae City, would ensure that there is constant electricity supply to the city whenever there are problems with generation at the Ramu Hydro Power Station, or on the Transmission line between Ramu Power Station and Lae City.
The Munum Diesel Power Station will be officially launched next month while the Mongi Power Station is a proposed hydro power project located in Finschhafen District of Morobe Province.
Ogil also pointed out that PPL’s role in the Ramu 2 Hydro Project is just to provide technical advice to Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited (KCHL), which is the owner of this project.
“KCHL has engaged a Chinese company, Sino Hydro, to build the Ramu 2 Power Station,” says the board member.
“PNG Power is currently looking at the Power Purchase Agreement and the Power Supply Agreement to ensure that it will be of benefit to all parties before the agreements can be signed.”
Furthermore, the Ramu 2 Hydro Project is a separate power station from Ramu 1.
“The Ramu 1 hydro power station is undergoing rehabilitation and would be able to generate to its full capacity of 75Mw when the work is completed,” clarifies Ogil.
“I take this opportunity to appeal to the media to always recheck all information on PNG Power related issues with the Management of PNG Power before they are written.
“This is so that there is no confusion caused to our valued customers.”