A Contractual Agreement between PNG Power and two Korean companies, Nuriflex and Fluent Grid, for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Smart Metering Project Phase 1 is now ready to be rolled out across the country.

 

This follows the presentation of a 'Performance Security' by the Contractor Nuriflex to PNG Power's Acting CEO, Mr Nehemaiah Naris, Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Kingston Albert, and the Project Team at the PNG Power Head Office on Monday, June 24, 2024. This legal document guarantees that the contractor will fulfil its contractual obligations with PNG Power for the project's duration.

 

The AMI and Smart Metering Project Phase 1 is funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea through Kumul Consolidated Holdings under the K211m Grid Stabilisation and Rehabilitation Program. The total project cost is US$6 million (K21 million). PNG Power is very appreciative of the undivided support of Prime Minister James Marape and State-Owned Enterprises Minister William Duma to ensure PNG Power’s assets and systems are given the much-needed upgrade and facelift.

 

The AMI Smart Metering Project is a significant step towards addressing electricity theft and system losses for the company. It will improve the meter management system, revenue billing collections, and energy loss monitoring and management. This is expected to significantly enhance the affordability, accessibility, reliability, and efficiency of electricity services throughout the country, directly benefiting our customers and the public.

 

In the first phase, the project will target around 10,000 industrial and commercial customers, who collectively contribute over 81% of the current total energy consumption and sales. PNG Power expects to start installation work in February 2025, following a lead time for site survey, design approval, manufacturing, and mobilisation.

 

"The implementation of this project will involve the application of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solutions, integrating multiple technologies to better manage our assets, revenue, energy losses, and greater visibility on energy consumption by individual customers," said PNG Power Acting CEO, Mr Nehemaiah Naris. The second phase of the project will target all domestic prepaid customers with over 200,000 smart meters nationwide as PNG Power transitions towards a smart grid.

 

(Caption): PPL Acting CEO Mr Nehemaiah Naris (3rd from Left) receiving the ‘Performance Security’ document from Representatives from Nuriflex at the PPL Boardroom yesterday (Tuesday 25th June)