The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) is pleased to celebrate the successful completion and official launch of the Hog Harbor Low Voltage Extension Project on Tuesday 13 January 2026, a significant initiative that advances access to electricity services for communities in Hog Harbor. The ceremony which took place at Hog Harbour, East Santo was officiated by the Member of Parliament and former Police Commissioner, Honorable Robson Iavro, SG for Sanma Province, Mr Jonathan Iavare, Acting Director of Energy Mr Tasale, CEO of the Utilities Regulatory Authority Mr Jesse Benjamin, General Manager of VUI and leaders and members of the Community.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of URA underscored that “Promoting access to electricity is a core function of URA and is a key national priority under Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) and the National Energy Roadmap. In line with this mandate, URA partnered with Vanuatu Utilities and Infrastructure Ltd (VUI Ltd) to implement the Hog Harbor Low Voltage Extension Project.”
The project was identified and proposed by VUI Ltd in response to the large number of households and communities in Hog Harbor that previously had limited or no access to electricity services. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment by both URA and VUI Ltd to address electricity access gaps and respond to community needs.
The project commenced in August 2025 and was successfully completed in November 2025, which amounted to VT 14 million. As part of this partnership, URA allocated VT 10 million from the National Electricity Access Fund, in accordance with URA Decision No. 5 of 2025 – Approval of the National Electricity Access Fund, which approved the use of the Fund to support the implementation of this project.
With the project now completed and officially launched, URA commends the management and team of VUI Ltd for their leadership, cooperation, and dedication throughout the implementation process. Their efforts have played an important role in promoting electricity access to communities in Hog Harbor.
In fulfilling its mandate to promote access to electricity services, URA welcomes this achievement. The Authority looks forward to continuing its collaboration with other regulated electricity service providers and supporting future initiatives that promote electricity access for customers within their respective concession areas.