PNG Power launches amnesty initiative

CONSUMERS using electricity through illegal connections have an option either to formally register for the service or be penalised, PNG Power Limited (PPL) has announced.
Acting chief executive officer Nehemiah Naris said phase four of the transformative amnesty initiative, launched in Port Moresby, started yesterday and would end on Aug 31.
“Those illegally consuming power can register for free and start paying bills.
“After the amnesty period, there is a provision in the Electricity Act allowing for penalties for those consuming power through illegal connections,” Naris said.
He said illegal connections were denying PPL between K50 million and K100 million a year in revenue.
“This initiative signals a new chapter in PPL’s commitment to providing reliable power supply to all customers in the country.
“This phase four is launched across all our centres, with the goal of consolidating our past achievement and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to become a full customer, free from penalties or additional charges,” he said.
Naris said phase four of the amnesty initiative was aimed at reaching out to unregistered electricity users in cities, towns, villages and settlements.
He said a significant advancement in this phase was PPL’s collaboration with MiBank, enabling customers to conveniently pay their energy bills through the bank’s agents located in accessible locations nationwide.
“This initiative moves us away from the traditional payment methods, making it easier for our customers to access our service, especially for those in the remote areas,” Naris said.
The partnership with MiBank would allow registered consumers to pay their monthly bills to the Mibank agent in their area until a new Easipay meter is installed in their homes.
“Our commitment to make electricity accessible is reflected in our registration process,” he said.