Papua New Guinea's Minister for Public Enterprises says Lae's power supplies will be back to a stable and reliable form by early next year.
Arthur Somare says emergency measures are being undertaken by PNG Power on a number of fronts to rectify disruptions to power supplies that have affected the Morobe provincial capital and other areas.
He says the four operating units at the Ramu hydro-electric project have been severely de-rated because of lack of maintenance since they were built many years ago.
He claims PNG Power has been funding refurbishment activities but the poor conditions of these machines have led to ongoing problems and constant disruptions and a difficult work environment.
Plans for a complete refurbishment of the Ramu power station are now in hand and will be completed in a period of 12 to 18 months.
The first refurbished 15 mega watt unit will be available around the middle of next year.
