Millions lost in illegal connections

By MIRIAM MALAWA
PNG Power Ltd has lost millions of kina over the years through illegal connections and theft of electricity, chief executive officer Tony Koiri says.
Koiri said it was not fair for paying customers and the state-owned electricity provider, which maintained expensive and demanding operations.
He said PNG Power was not obliged to continue to supply customers who intentionally defrauded the company.
“We will refuse reconnection under the same or different customer name to the same premises until all penalty charges are paid in full,” Koiri said in a statement.
“PNG Power has advised its customers that having access to electricity through illegal means is unlawful and those caught will be prosecuted.”
Meanwhile, the company will also be carrying out an extensive meter survey with the assistance of contractors and the public to deal with illegal connections, meter by-passing and tampering.
The company has advised customers to allow access to their premises by its technical staff and contractors who can be identified by ID cards.
The survey started in Port Moresby last year and will continue in other centres.