URA and VUI Ltd celebrate launch of Hog Harbour Low Voltage Extension Project
January 20, 2026 10:15 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) marked the completion and official launch of the Hog Harbour Low Voltage Extension Project on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, aimed at improving access to electricity services for communities in Hog Harbour.
The ceremony, held at Hog Harbour in East Santo, was officiated by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Santo Rural and former Police Commissioner, Robson Iavro; Secretary General (SG) for the SANMA Provincial Government Council, Mr. Jonathan Iavere; Acting Director of Energy, Mr. Matthew Tasale; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the URA, Mr. Jesse Benjamin; the General Manager of Vanuatu Utilities and Infrastructure (VUI) Ltd; along with community leaders and residents.
“Promoting access to electricity remains a core function of the Authority and a national priority under Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan and the National Energy Roadmap,” CEO Benjamin said.
“URA partnered with VUI Ltd to implement the Hog Harbour Low Voltage Extension Project in line with this mandate.”
The project was identified and proposed by VUI Ltd in response to the number of households and communities in Hog Harbour that previously had limited or no access to electricity services. The partnership reflects a joint effort by URA and VUI Ltd to close electricity access gaps and respond to community needs.
The project commenced in August 2025 and was completed in November 2025, at a total cost of VT14 million. URA contributed VT10 million from the National Electricity Access Fund, in line with URA Decision No. 5 of 2025, which approved the use of the Fund to support the project’s implementation.
Following the completion and launch of the project, URA acknowledged the management and team of VUI Ltd for their cooperation and commitment throughout the implementation process, noting their role in expanding electricity access in Hog Harbour.
URA said it welcomed the completion of the project as part of its mandate to promote access to electricity services and looked forward to continued collaboration with regulated electricity service providers on future initiatives within their concession areas.
