Solomon Power closer to resolve power issue as Australia steps into assist with transporation of much needed parts. Honiara residents and businesses affected without electricity hours each day for weeks now.
Solomon Power has expressed sincere appreciation for the patience and understanding demonstrated by its valued customers and residents during the recent period of load shedding. The utility provider acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the ongoing challenges and assures the community of its unwavering commitment to rectifying the power shortfall and ensuring uninterrupted service in the near future. In a recent public statement, Solomon Power shared important updates regarding its ongoing efforts to address the situation.
The current available generation capacity stands at 10.3 MW, while the potential maximum demand in Honiara reaches up to 16 MW. This substantial gap of approximately 5.7 MW has presented significant challenges, leading to scheduled power outages of up to six hours each day at two hours intervals. These measures are necessary as Solomon Power works diligently to bridge the capacity deficit. Solomon Power has been grappling with operational issues related to its generators, which have necessitated immediate attention.
One of the generators is currently undergoing a major overhaul, a process that may involve the replacement of crucial components. The timely procurement of replacement parts is of paramount importance to avoid potential delays in the re-commissioning timeline for these essential machines. Pending any unforeseen requirements, Solomon Power aims to have the refurbished generator fully operational by the end of August. This achievement would bolster the overall generation capacity to 13.3 MW, significantly alleviating the strain of load shedding on the community. Efforts to enhance the power sources have been ongoing, with service engineers for the Man Diesel & Wartsila generators stationed in the country since July.
Solomon Power said their endeavors are further supported by local staff and the Australian High Commission in Honiara, which has facilitated the transportation of necessary resources into the country. Additionally, Solomon Power is actively pursuing the expansion of its generation capacity through planned installations. These endeavors take into account various factors, including shipping lead times, installation processes, and rigorous testing. The completion of this capacity expansion is anticipated before the end of the year, further contributing to a more stable and reliable power supply. Recognizing the inconveniences faced by the community, Solomon Power extends its apologies. Solomon Power said they remain dedicated to resolving the power shortfall and ensuring a dependable electricity supply for the community in the near future.
Source: Solomon Power
