The Energy Department is working on a National Energy Authority Bill which, if passed by parliament, will allow for another power company to operate in the country, giving competition to PNG Power.
This was recently revealed by Energy Minister Sam Basil in Parliament.
Basil was responding to a question by the Governor of West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel, concerning plans for the rollout of the rural electrification program.
Minister Basil said the K5 million allocated for the rollout in all districts is small hence they will resort to use the MSK boxes.
“PNG Power is currently selling the boxes for K750 per box, but we can negotiate with another supplier who will sell it cheaper to us for K500,” Basil said.
He said the plan is to rollout first one thousand boxes in selected districts.
“I will ask provincial governors and Open members to partner with the Energy Department to boost the roll out of MSK boxes in all districts,” added Basil.
The Energy Minister further revealed that the National Energy Authority Bill will allow for power to be regulated, as well as allowing an additional electricity company to supply power in the country.
(Energy Minister Sam Basil)