PNG Capital Port Moresby Faces Extended Power Pressure as Sirinumu Dam Levels Fall Under El Niño Impact

Residents of Port Moresby are being warned to expect continued pressure on electricity supply as PNG Power Ltd scales back water usage at Sirinumu Dam due to worsening drought conditions. The decision comes as rainfall levels remain far below normal across Central Province.

 PNG Capital Port Moresby Faces Extended Power Pressure as Sirinumu Dam Levels Fall Under El Niño Impact/Photo supplied

The National Capital District and surrounding areas have been under sustained drought alert, with climate forecasts showing little improvement in the coming months. Water inflows into the dam system have dropped sharply, forcing authorities to adjust hydropower operations.

PNG Power Ltd reports that Sirinumu Dam is currently operating under controlled drawdown conditions, with reduced releases affecting the entire Rouna hydro cascade. As a result, the utility has increased diesel generation to compensate for the shortfall in renewable power.

The dam, which also supplies raw water to the city, remains under close monitoring in collaboration with Water PNG. Officials say balancing electricity production with essential water supply has become increasingly difficult under current drought stress.

The National Weather Service Bureau has maintained its warning that El Niño-like conditions are likely to persist through to August 2026, with below-normal rainfall expected nationwide. Sirinumu’s storage level continues to decline due to minimal inflows and reduced catchment runoff.

PNG Capital Port Moresby faces water and power issues/File Photo

PNG Power Ltd stated: 

“The drought conditions are affecting both power generation and water availability. We are managing Sirinumu Dam carefully to ensure essential services continue, and we ask the public for understanding and cooperation during this period.”