Transformer fault causes power outage

LAE residents have recently been noticing sparks along power lines before the power goes out, forcing some business houses to use generators as a safety precaution.
A PNG Power customer care source confirmed with The National that they had been receiving numerous calls regarding power outages in Chinatown. A team has been assigned to investigate and address the issue.
But PNG Power Limited has not communicated with the business community on the issue.
Panamex Pacific Limited general manager Erich Illemann said electricity supply into their plant was off all of Thursday.
“As soon as we experience a low current, our supply automatically reverts to the generator as well, so that doesn’t affect our equipment,” he said.
“The bottom line is an obvious increase to the operating cost which at the end of the day has to be recovered, resulting in increased prices for the consumer.”
“Higher operating cost also compromises our competitiveness versus imported product and therefore has ramifications on the PNG manufacturing sector.”
On Wednesday night, people living near Chinatown witnessed a “glow” from a power pole lasting several minutes, believed to be the transformer.