The head of PNG’s National Energy Authority (NEA), Ronald Meketa has proposed a major shake-up of the country’s electricity generation, distribution and transmission.
Speaking yesterday (Thursday) in the APEC House at a high-level stakeholder meeting initiated by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Mr. Meketa outlined a new approach that would give provinces control over their own electricity services.
Reaffirming the proposal as one of the resolutions agreed upon by all Governors, he said this can help as the nation grapples with persistent power outages.
He said his NEA has issued license to New Ireland’s Namatanai Electorate already to generate and manage its own electricity affairs.
Mr Meketa said he believes that shifting control from the national level to provincial governments would help solve the long-standing crisis.
He highlighted that a major cause of current power issues is a costly reliance on expensive fuel, which drains millions of kina each year.
To combat this, Meketa suggested a focus on more sustainable and affordable energy sources, such as hydro, wind and solar power.
He also called for a review of existing contracts and new approaches to distributing electricity across the country.
The meeting also explored the use of new technology.
Citing Mineral Resource Authority, Steamship and Seapark development project at Ela Beach, Managing Director Meketa said his team is licensing electricity users and investors roof-top solar panels for power.
This “self-generation” would help support the national power grid and reduce pressure on the existing power system, he told the meeting.
The NEA is working to create a “one-stop-shop” for new power generation licenses, making it easier for companies to invest in the energy sector, he said.
Governor Powes Parkop, who hosted the meeting, said the discussion was an important first step.
He stated, “This is the start, but it means a lot since key people have attended.”
He added that the goal is to find lasting solutions to the country’s power problems as it heads toward its 50th year of independence.
Departmental heads present at the meeting thanked Governor Parkop for taking this initiative and shared their own challenges related to the power supply.