Port Moresby grid hit by 75% power drop as PNG Power turns to load shedding
PNG Power Limited [PPL] is currently generating only 25 per cent of the electricity required to supply its primary grid in Port Moresby and the Central province, triggering widespread blackouts across the region.
The state-owned power utility has been forced to implement continuous load shedding as a safety measure during an extended dry season.
The crisis was the central focus of a high-level meeting in Port Moresby on Tuesday between the PPL chief executive officer and the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru.
Discussions focused on dry-season energy security for the National Capital District (NCD) and Central amidst ongoing El Niño weather conditions.
Speaking after the meeting, Maru revealed that severe reductions in water levels at major hydroelectric dams were directly responsible for the current load shedding.
Due to prolonged low rainfall, both the Rouna and Edevu hydro schemes have been forced to scale back generation significantly.
The Edevu Hydro Power Plant, which has a 54-megawatt [MW] capacity, is currently producing just 14MW.
As a result, power grid stability now relies heavily on independent power producers, namely NiuPower and Dirio, to cover the shortfall.
Maru said he intends to take a submission to Cabinet this week to seek approval for a supplementary budget to fund emergency dry-season energy support for PPL.
He emphasized that reliable electricity supply to the NCD and Central underpins critical operations, including hospitals, schools, water and sanitation services, public safety, and general commerce.
He added that maintaining supply through the dry season directly protects these vital services and aligns with the National Government’s overall electrification objectives.
Meanwhile, a major 25MW solar power project in Wawin, Morobe, will be officially announced next week.
Maru said the 25MW of power will supply the Ramu Grid for the next five months to replace reliance on the privately operated Munum Power Station, which has been causing PPL substantial financial losses.