Bill to establish energy authority in progress: Kua

THE establishment of an energy authority is a work in progress with the draft bill to be presented to National Executive Council (NEC) soon, Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua says.
Speaking during the launch of National Energy Policy 2017-2027 on Wednesday, Kua said the country needed a dedicated entity for the energy sector.
“PNG needs a dedicated energy entity solely responsible for the development and implementation of National Energy Policy,” Kua said.
“The establishment of this entity is in progress with the draft national energy authority bill being substantially completed and will be submitted to the National Executive Council shortly.
“The National Energy Authority (NEA) will be the main government vehicle to coordinate in partnership with PNG Power Ltd (PPL) to expedite the harmonisation process for application of relevant regulations to all government activities in electrification.
“This process will facilitate the environment for accelerated use of all natural renewable energy resource in the country to generate electricity with the long term objective of reducing electricity tariffs throughout all sectors of the country,” Kua said.
“In doing so, will create a new and stimulating effect on new and increased economic activities by private sector in especially rural areas where the majority of our people reside.
“We believe this process will facilitate the active involvement of our local communities in business, thus ensuring equitable and fair sharing of benefits leading to improvement of livelihood of our people.”