PNG Power

The matter was supposed to return before acting Judge Danjo Koeget today for ruling however it was deferred to next Tuesday.

This is from an application filed by Mangos at the National Court seeking to remain on the PNG Power payroll as he says his termination was not on directions of the National Executive Council.

The matter last went before the court on Jan 14 where his lawyer, Mal Varitimos told the court his client was appointed by the NEC as the Executive Director of PPL and appointments of the NEC can only be revoked by the NEC itself.

“The Rouna hydro power stations (Rouna 1, 2, 3 and 4) have been generating power supply in a lower capacity from normal operations due to low water levels at the Sirinumu dam,’’ says PPL acting chief executive officer John Yanis.

“On full capacity, the hydro power stations generate 54 megawatts (MW) of power supply for Port Moresby. The low water levels means the four hydro power stations can only generate 10MW, the maximum.  

“This has resulted in PPL increasing the use of its thermal power plants in Moitaka and Kanudi during this El Nino period.

This was the order of  acting Judge Danjo Koeget this morning when he granted interim orders to Mangos to maintain the status-quo while the court awaits counsel representing PNG Power Ltd and the PPL Board members to attain their 2016 legal practicing certificates. 

The court also granted the interim order for Mangos’ entitlements to be paid until the matter returns next week Thursday (Jan 14).

The interim orders sought by Mangos were granted today after the issue of counsels’ 2016 legal practicing certificates was brought up.

Suburbs throughout the nation's capital started experiencing power outages since 6pm tonight.

PNG Loop was advised that the two main feeders coming out of the main power stations at Rouna were having problems.

This has forced  PPL to carry out a systems shutdown so that they can carry out repair work on the damaged feeders.

“Fuel cost is increasing every year and with 40 percent of the operational cost (coming from the purchase of) fossil fuel, PNG Power is seriously going into renewable energy,” says John Yanis, PPL acting chief executive officer.

All PPL provincial power stations use diesel powered generators to supply electricity to its customers.

Rouna and Ramu Hydro are the only two state-owned electricity generation facilities that produce hydro-electricity for the Port Moresby and Lae grids.

PPL acting chief executive officer John Yanis brushed aside rumours that the million kina gas turbine are sitting ideal.  

“The gas turbine is currently in use, in Lae and Port Moresby supporting the local electricity grid,” Yanis told Loop PNG.

The two 26.2 Megawatts gas turbine (dual fuel) was brought last year from Israel General Electric at a cost of K94 million.      

Hela is the home of the multi-billion LNG project.    

“The agreement signed today will provide gas live generation to allow the expansion of the Tari grid into Mendi providing power for many thousands of people in Hela, and then Southern Highlands Province,” said Peter Botten, Oil Search Managing Director. 

The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) follows the successful provision of power supply to Tari town after its signing in September 2015.  

“Already made a progress to provide sustainable and reliable power into Tari by working closely with PNG Power,” Botten said.

Currently Port Moresby and part of Central Province daily electricity need stands at 120 megawatts and with the fast development pace, the demand will increase in the years ahead.

“Electricity demand stands at 120MW but fluctuates daily,” said PNG Power acting CEO John Yanis.  

Developer, PNG Hydro Development (PNGHD) inked the power purchase agreement with PNG Power Limited (PPL) this afternoon in Port Moresby.

The Chinese company will build and operate the hydro supply, and state owned PPL will purchase power to help its grid.        

The total capacity for the dam catchment area is 340 MCM.

There is an agreement by the State owned power and water supplier if the water level drops to 100MCM where Eda Ranu will use the remaining water in the catchment area to supply drinking water to Port Moresby and its surrounding areas.

And PPL will resort to fuel generators to fill the short fall to provide electricity.      

“PPL has reduced (electricity) generation at Rouna Hydro. We have not reached the system 100 MCM yet at the dam,” Yanis told Loop PNG.  

Power workers’ rights protected, says union

http://www.looppng.com/content/power-workers%E2%80%99-rights-protected-says-union

The PNG Power (PPL) 2015 Enterprise Agreement signed today protects workers interest, says the workers union.

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