Entrepreneur calls to end PNG Power monopoly

 A SMALL to medium enterprise (SME) owner in Lae is calling for a stop to PNG Power Ltd’s (PPL) monopoly.

He said the continuous blackouts was affecting his business operations and the overhead costs and operational costs were unbearable.

Mawnning Forepe, who operates a sewing business in Malahang, said his business operations had been disrupted for two days due to the recent power outages.

 “Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investments Ben Micah should invite another power company here,” he said. 

“PPL is no good for Papua New Guinea. The Government wants to promote SMEs in PNG but PPL is going the opposite way.”

“Does the government think that all SMEs can afford a backup generator and fuel? 

“There are female staff working night shifts and this is a threat to their safety. 

“SMEs had to take a day or two off from their operations, the landlord is not overlooking that. We are still paying rentals for the days we stopped worked due to power outages.”

They said Micah should seriously look at allowing another company to come in and provide power supply.

“Companies who cannot compete effectively must close operation and bring in a new supplier or stop the monopoly and bring in a competitor. PPL is allowed monopoly but we have not seen the best of the company.

“Previously there used to be monopoly over other services such as telecommunications. But now competition has improved it greatly. 

“Why can’t the government do the same and bring in another company to compete with PPL?”