No power if water at 20 percent

The El Nino induced dry weather conditions has brought water levels at the Sirinumu dam to a critical low at 53 per cent and it continuous to go down at 10 per cent every 10 days.

This is affecting generation of hydroelectricity at Rouna hydropower station, forcing PNG Power Limited (PPL) to carry out load shedding or temporarily switching off electricity in certain areas to reduce demand on power system.

Chief Executive Officer, Paul Bayly, says if water levels continue to drop to 20 per cent, PPL will stop drawing water for power generation and prioritize city’s water supply.

“PNG Power and Water PNG have already implemented measures to protect the essential water.

“If the dam falls to 20%, PNG Power will no longer be able to generate electricity, no longer be able to draw water for generation, as that water will be reserved for town water supply for this city.” Bayly said.

City residents will be forced to go without power if water levels at the Sirinumu dam drops to 20 per cent level as El Nino induced drought condition worsen.

Bayly adds this is expected to be difficult as El Nino picks up towards the end of the year.

“The immediate pressure on supply has been driven by reduced hydroelectric generation, transmission constraints and insufficient reserve capacity during a period of high demand.

“These conditions are expected to remain difficult as El Niño strengthens towards the end of this year.” Bayly confirmed.  

This is the serious impact of El Niño on electricity supply within the city.