Lae businesses still struggle with power blackouts

The commissioning of a new transmission line is a step towards improving electricity reliability in Lae, but businesses and residents continue to face prolonged blackouts and rising operating costs.

Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry president John Byrne says reliable electricity is essential for the city, Papua New Guinea’s main manufacturing, distribution, transport and logistics hub.

“The commissioning of the new transmission line is a positive step for reliable power for Lae City and is vital for redundancy and supply of power,” Byrne said.

However, he said electricity supply to businesses and communities remained poor, with the impact of El Niño on water levels at Yonki Dam contributing to load-shedding.

Combined with existing supply problems, this has resulted in prolonged blackouts and power spikes.

Businesses are increasingly relying on diesel generators to keep operating, adding to costs as fuel prices rise.

Byrne said electricity disruptions were also affecting water services, raising concerns about public health, hygiene and the risk of disease.

He welcomed efforts by the PNG Power board and management, the Government and other stakeholders to restore a more reliable and affordable electricity supply.

“While we cannot control the weather or El Niño, these challenges are not being ignored,” he said.

“A country without power is a powerless country, and we must resolve this issue.”

Byrne said reliable electricity was critical to Lae’s economy and its role in supplying goods and services to communities across the country.

He said the new transmission line was an important step, but sustained efforts were needed to address the wider power supply problems affecting businesses and residents.