Power outage causes ‘expensive exercise’

The recent power outage in Port Moresby has had no major effect on business houses as they had generator backup, but it is an expensive exercise considering fuel costs.
RH Hypermarket assistant general-manager Phil Ager said while the impacts were similar to all customers of PNG Power who were dealing with chilled and frozen goods, generators kicked in when power went off.
“In other words, we do not lose perishable stocks due to our backup generators,” he said.
“It nevertheless is an issue as we have to provide maintenance for our generators.
“The generators run on diesel, which costs more to run compared to PNG Power providing reliable power.
“At times when full power is lost, it is an inconvenience to customers trying to do their shopping or at the checkouts as it takes a few seconds to convert to the generators.
“Once power is restored, we go back online again.”
BNBM manager-HR/admin and credit controller Torre Tord Miria said the power outage had been outrageous and “a disease in the urban towns and cities”.
“As a matter of fact, business houses must have a contingency plan to have a standby generator to improvise electricity to enhance normal business operations,” he said.
“BNBM is no exception and we have back-up gensets in all our locations of operation in Port Moresby.
“However, it is a costly exercise for the business to use the diesel plants or generators, considering the hiking cost of fuel in PNG when the outages are prolonged and consistent.”
City Pharmacy Ltd managing director Mahesh Patel said they had their back-up generators working overtime and were able to manage any serious impact.
Brian Bell Group chief executive Cameron Mackellar said like every household and business, the recent power blackouts have impacted their business but not more or less than anyone else.
“We are equipped to handle any power outage,” he said.
“We would most certainly prefer they didn’t happen of course.
“However, we are a great supporter of PNG Power and their commitment to improve power generation for the benefit of every person and business in PNG. We know they are working hard to correct the current issues in parts of Port Moresby and the rest of the country.
“I’m sure their efforts have also been hindered by the recent heavy rains and winds around the country.
“We all need to support PNG’s electrification programme as this will benefit everyone.”