By Orchy Rex
PNG Power Limited has officially commissioned two newly installed high-capacity transformers at the Bomana and Kanudi Substations this afternoon which would boost electricity supply in Port Moresby. This development marks the full restoration of the Bomana Substation after more than a year and significantly strengthens the city’s power grid.
The new ABB transformers valued at K4.2 million were procured by Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) through direct purchase from Original Equipment Manufacturer ABB, with manufacturing carried out under license by Hitachi Energy in Vietnam. The procurement was funded under the government-backed PPL Recovery Program, supported by a K111 million allocation from the Marape-Rosso Government.
While KCH Managing Director Professor David Kavanamur was not present at the commissioning, a KCH representative was on site to witness the official handover and reaffirm the organization’s commitment to upgrading essential power infrastructure across the country.
For the first time in just over a year, the Bomana Substation is now back online after operating under load support from the Moitaka Substation. Moitaka itself had reached the end of its load-handling capacity, putting increased pressure on the grid and causing frequent outages in surrounding areas.
With the commissioning of the new transformer, Bomana is now independently feeding into the Port Moresby grid again relieving Moitaka and contributing to a more stable and reliable power supply.
Similarly, the commissioning of the Kanudi Substation transformer brings added relief to the city’s southern districts, especially in the Moresby South electorate. Together, the two substations will now serve as critical infrastructure pillars, helping distribute electricity more evenly and efficiently across the National Capital District.
Gratitude has also been extended to the PNG Government and KCH for their strategic investment in improving energy reliability.