By GEORGINA MICHAEL
ELECTRICITY supply in Port Moresby and Central Province is facing growing pressure as reduced hydroelectric generation, transmission constraints and limited reserve capacity coincide with high demand.
PNG Power Limited (PPL) Chief Executive Officer Paul Bayly said the situation is expected to become more challenging as El Niño strengthens towards the end of 2026.
More than half of the electricity supplied to Port Moresby and Central Province normally comes from hydroelectric generation. Bayly said the Sirinumu Dam is currently at 53 percent capacity, prompting PPL and Water PNG to limit water releases to protect the city’s essential water supply.
“Sirinumu Dam is currently at 53 percent capacity. PNG Power and Water PNG have therefore implemented measures to limit water releases and protect the essential water supply. If the dam falls to 20 percent, PNG Power will no longer be able to draw water for generation and will prioritise the city water supply,” Mr Bayly said.
Mr Bayly added that reduced water releases have lowered output from the Rouna hydro stations from 40MW to 24MW, a reduction of 40 percent.
“Edevu Hydro Power Station, which depends on flows from the Brown River, has also reduced generation from about 56MW to 14MW, a reduction of 75 percent,” he said.
Mr Bayly said together these sharp reductions demonstrate the severe impact of El Nino conditions on hydroelectric generation and the reliability of the Port Moresby grid.
Mr Bayly said PPL is taking immediate steps to stabilise the grid and increase available generation as it manages the current power supply constraints.
“Niupower has 56MW of capacity, while Dirio has 45MW. However, transmission limitations currently restrict power delivered from Dirio to 30MW. A K12 million upgrade is under way to enable an additional 15MW from Dirio to reach the grid by January 2027,” he said.