Commission praises Bekker’s work on PNG Power reform

THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has praised the work started by former PNG Power Ltd managing director Flagon Bekker in processing competition reform agendas for the electricity industry.
ICCC commissioner and chief executive officer Paulus Ain said Bekker had started a set of reforms for PNG Power’s efficient performance which supported the Government’s economic development and growth agenda.
He said there was no room for delay.
“The ICCC, being the competition watchdog and then economic regulator for the electricity industry (prior to passing of the National Energy Authority Bill), has placed importance on reforms for the establishment of comprehensive and appropriate regulatory frameworks that set rules for business behaviour, promote efficient market structure, increase market access and ensure that competition is not undermined by potential anti-competitive behaviour,” Ain said.
“The ICCC has worked with PNG Power and other development partners to put in place strategies, processes and measures to improve the competitive status quo and efficiency of the electricity sector.”
He said the reforms were the PNG Power Sector Investment Partnership Programmes and the Independent Electricity Market Operator.
Ain said the ICCC had been applying the same principles to other regulated entities such as the PNG Ports Corporation Ltd and Motor Vehicles Insurance Ltd (MVIL).
“Today, the effectiveness of good governance is evident through the MVIL and PNG Ports performances,” he said.
“The reforms for PNG Power are to promote the productive and efficient use of electricity generation sources, maximise its ongoing value and protect legitimate interest of the government, stakeholders, the Independent Power Producers, consumers and the general public.”
He said good governance was dependent on leadership as well.
“The ICCC is concerned that PNG now has very slim chances of achieving the Government’s electricity development and growth agenda, including the 70 per cent connectivity by 2030, unless competition reforms initiated under Bekker’s leadership are progressed expeditiously.”