The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) continues with its Public Education Program (PEP) to communities in Southwest of Efate that have access to the UNELCO’s Electricity Grid. URA’s primary focus for this program is to provide educative materials to the public on two key topics: 'the Roles and Functions of the URA' and 'the UNELCO Electricity Price.'
This week, the Southwest Area Councils of Ifira Island, and parts of Erakor have been covered. On September 12, 2023, the URA team visited the residents of Ifira Island and the Worouloa community at Ifira Point. On September 15, 2023, the URA conducted PEP at the Ekasup Market area. The overall outcome of the conducted sessions was relatively positive, as indicated by community representatives.
At Ifira Island, there was a question raised about the services provided by the Authority in relation to electricity wiring checks and the identification of water leakages after a customer's electricity and water meter. The URA Team clarified that they could perform visual wiring checks when investigating customer complaints and provide recommendations to assist the customers. However, based on the recommendations, a customer is encouraged to engage a professional plumber or an electrician on matters that are more of a safety issue or technical in nature to ensure that the issue is properly identified and fixed.
A customer had raised his concern about UNELCO using private land and compensation on private land use. The URA team clarified that, under the Electricity Supply Act, UNELCO, as a concessionaire, can erect its network along public roads (right of way) and connect customers. However, for private land, UNELCO is to seek consent from landowners and village or community leaders before commencing work.
Another customer questioned VNPF's choice to invest in electricity in Tanna and Malekula instead of VNPF establishing another electricity or water company in Port Vila to compete with UNELCO. The URA team stated that the awarding of the electricity concessions to VNPF is a decision beyond the URA’s mandates.
At the Worouloa and Ekasup community, prepayment meter customers requested the establishment of a resale points for prepaid meter users, given the inconvenience they have to face to travel far to the nearest resale point to refill their prepay meter cards. This is a matter that will be brought to the attention of UNELCO and will be at UNELCO’s discretion to see if it is visible to establish resale points at Worouloa and Ekasup.
A member at the Ekasup community raised a query on the cost of obtaining a new electricity connection or meter connection. The URA team responded that the cost of a new connection depends on the distance between the customer's residence and the existing grid. UNELCO will need to conduct a survey to determine the cost of extending the connection and the cost of required materials including labor.
Another query pertained to the joining of cables of different sizes at long length between a meter box and a residence premises. The URA team advised against such practice and directed customers to approach local electrical contractors or suppliers to seek advice on the correct cable size suitable for the distance required. Customers are advised to position their meters as close to their residence to avoid such issue.
Upcoming PEP sessions will be carried out for the Area Councils of Tanvasoko, Enam, Erakor, and Eratap.
Customers are also encouraged to check out the Authority’s website at www.ura.gov.vu and facebook page for uploaded updates going forward, or visit or call the
URA Office on office phone number 23335. You can also email us at