norfolk island energy

Norfolk Island Electricity (NIE)

Electricity is generated for the island from the Power House which is located in Douglas Drive, next to the airport terminal. There are 6 diesel generators. At peak times 2 generators are needed to produce 1.7 megawatts of electricity. In off-peak times such as overnight; only 1 generator is needed to produce about 0.85 megawatts of power. 

Currently between 5000-7000 litres of diesel are used every day to operate the generators.

The Electricity Department

The Electricity Department maintains all the power poles and wiring to supply electricity to people’s homes and businesses as well as the airport and all Administration buildings. The department employs 5 electricians to do this work.

Norfolk Energy

Norfolk Energy is responsible for maintenance of the island’s bulk fuel supply which is delivered by ship and stored at Ball Bay. 

The future

In the near future, the Norfolk Island Government hopes to replace (either partially or totally) the diesel generation of electricity by moving to renewable/sustainable energy using wind power, wave power and/or solar power.  People who install solar power panels on their roof obtain credits for excess power generated back to Norfolk Island Electricity.  This reduces their electricity costs, the amount of fuel needed for the generators and the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.