PPL told to replace easipay meters

PNG Power Ltd (PPL) should immediately replace all its easipay meters or calibrate them to protect against lost revenue, an industry watchdog says.
National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (Nisit) general manager Victor Gabi said this after managing director Flagon Bekker, who resigned this week, revealed that the state owned utilities company lost on average K25 million a month due to theft.
“While PNG Power loses K25 million each month, we do not believe all this loss is stolen, we believe a good portion of it is lost through inaccurate (uncalibrated) or malfunctioning easipay meters still in use in lost revenue,” he said.
“One thing that has been lacking in PNG Power is the lack of regular monitoring and evaluation, such as calibration and testing of household meters, inspection of household installation of meters.
“PNG Power is not using the type of easipay meter that has been recommended by the International Organisation of Legal Metrology which is the international Metrology body that approves patents for such things like utility meters which are certified to be sold internationally.
“We have on several occasions crossed paths when PPL wanted to purchase a new type of meter for household metering.
“Nisit had made several recommendations on this, but PPL had to make their own choice on it.
“The current meter is not the best one in the international market but is already put in use.”