Association looks at alternatives to provide electricity

THE New Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and stakeholders are looking at short term solutions to address the frequent power outages in the province, president Nolis Thomas says.
He said Kavieng, like other centres, was also experiencing regular blackouts.
“Kavieng is no exception, 18 hours without power daily has been the norm over the last two weeks going into the third week,” Thomas told The National yesterday.
“Everybody is affected and it is very hard on businesses.”
He said because of the concerns on blackouts, the New Ireland government and administration and NICCI and major consumers had a meeting last week to discuss options.
“The provincial government, administration, related agencies and all consumers have met last week to try to resolve or come up with an option that we believe will give a short term solution,” he said.
“Our team leaders are presently negotiating our resolve with PNG Power and authorities for acceptable conditions which we believe is the way which all will be happy to compromise and commit accordingly.”
PNG Power is conducting load shedding across the country because Puma Energy has stoped supplying fuel to its fuel run power stations due to outstanding bills.
On the other hand, the government owes PNG Power millions of kind in outstanding bills.
Goroka Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Chris Anders and East New Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry president David Stein raised similar concerns on power cuts affecting businesses in their provinces.