THE National Energy Authority (NEA) has officially appointed its first Appeals Panel today (Tuesday, October 15, 2024), a milestone aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within the nation’s energy sector.
The panel Chaired by Mr James P. Gore, who brings a wealth of experience representing the PNG Certified Practicing Accountants, alongside other distinguished professionals.
Mr Gore during the launching of the Board Charter and The appeals Panel Guideline today in Port Moresby thanked NEA for the opportunity to serve under the panel.
“It is an honor to stand before you today as the newly appointed inaugural Chairman of the NEA Appeals Panel. On behalf of myself and my esteemed colleagues — Jonathan Holingu, Principal of Holingu Lawyers, representing the PNG Law Society, and Franz Hemetsberger, Electrical Engineer representing the Institute of Engineers PNG and the Professional Engineers Registration Board — I extend our deepest gratitude to the NEA Board for this significant appointment,” Gore said.
The newly formed panel will serve as a key mechanism for addressing grievances and appeals related to decisions made by the National Energy Authority.
Gore stresses the collective commitment of the panel members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
“We are also profoundly thankful to the nominating professional bodies — the Certified Practicing Accountants of Papua New Guinea, the PNG Law Society, and the Institute of Engineers PNG and Professional Engineers Registration Board—for their trust in our capabilities. It is a call of national duty that we humbly accept,” he said.
The NEA Appeals Panel has been established to ensure that stakeholders have an accessible and fair platform for resolving disputes and reviewing decisions. The panel’s core functions include:
- Reviewing Appeals: The panel will thoroughly evaluate appeals submitted by stakeholders, ensuring that all cases are examined impartially and based on NEA policies and regulations.
- Maintaining Transparency: Ensuring a clear, open process is key. The panel will provide comprehensive explanations of their decisions, ensuring all parties understand the grounds for each ruling.
- Upholding Standards: The panel aims to reinforce the credibility and trust in the NEA by maintaining the highest standards of justice and fairness.
In addition to its primary mandate, the NEA Appeals Panel will act as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism. This provides a more efficient and cost-effective means for resolving conflicts outside the formal court system, saving time and reducing legal costs for all parties involved.
Gore, speaking on behalf of the panel, echoed their commitment to these goals: “As members of these distinguished professional bodies, we are guided by our respective codes of conduct and the NEA’s code of conduct. It is our unwavering commitment to uphold these standards as we diligently discharge our duties.”
Meanwhile, NEA managing director Ronald Meketa said the appointment is a step forward in Papua New Guinea’s energy governance, providing stakeholders with a more transparent and accessible process for addressing concerns.
