Power outages due to faults on highway: Bais

Port Moresby’s recent power disruptions were due to faults along the Magi Highway caused by people setting fire to wooden poles, according to PNG Power Limited (PPL) chief executive officer Chris Bais.
Bais told The National that it was an ongoing problem that occurred during the dry season.
He explained that feeder faults at Konedobu substations were caused by disturbances to a 11kv underground cable.
Customers on Konedobu feeders were affected and frequent Kanudi gas turbine trips had caused power outages.
With regards to Mendi, Bais said PPL had continuous interruptions in the Highlands due  to line faults between Himitovi and Kudjip.
Bais said PNG Power was holding talks with ExxonMobil regarding a 50-megawatt power plant project.
He said progress was dependent on discussions between ExxonMobil and the Government with respect to the Pangyang Petroleum Development Licence.
Bais said the Sirinumu Dam level dropped to 38 per cent below spill level which meant 138 million cubic metres of water remained. The dam’s full capacity is 340 million cubic metres.
Meanwhile, Bais confirmed that PPL was working with the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission to review the price of power.