High cost of power, security a concern for businesses

By DALE LUMA
THE high costs of power and security remain a biggest concern for Port Moresby-based businesses, according to the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Chamber president Rio Fiocco said apart from the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic which had really challenged businesses this year, businesses had to incur extra costs on fuel for generators and security.
He said many families which could not afford standby generators were left helpless during power blackouts.
“Power (supply) is the big concern for our members because it is costly in two ways,” Fiocco said.
“Businesses have to provide fuel to run generators (and provide regular) maintenance for the generators.
“That’s an expensive exercise and those costs are carried by businesses, as well as the high security costs. We have high power costs and now we have high generator costs.”
On the impact of power cuts on city residents, Fiocco said families which could not afford generators had food and drinks in the refrigerator going bad.
“When the power is off for an extended period, all the Christmas shopping and food unfortunately (turn bad),” he said.
Brian Bell Group chief executive officer Cameron Mackellar said this week that their sale of generators had increased this year, “no doubt largely driven by the frequent power outages”.
“Our locations are countrywide and from what we see right now, many of the major towns outside Port Moresby are also experiencing major power disruptions,” he said.
“It of course has consequences on everyone, with the need for generators and fuel to keep businesses and households operating. These additional costs impact everyone.”