Connecting Solomon Islands Communities through Innovative Partnerships
Solomon Power embarked on a transformative mission to bring reliable electricity to low-income households across the Solomon Islands. Through a grant-financing initiative from the Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA), administered by the World Bank, the Output-Based Aid (OBA) Program was launched, a lifeline for thousands of families unable to afford the upfront cost of grid connection.
Designed to energise 2,565 households, the program helps remove one of the biggest barriers to electrification: the initial connection fee. For many families, this cost had long stood between them and the opportunities electricity provides, from better lighting and communication to improved income-generating potential. Without access to grid power, residents were often forced to rely on expensive, low-quality alternatives like car batteries or small solar setups.
The OBA Program provides one-off subsidies to eligible households, covering a portion of the installation cost including service line materials and auxiliary poles to in-house wiring, earthing, and LED lighting. All installations meet the AS/NZS Wiring Rules 3000 and the Solomon Islands Electricity Act & Regulations, ensuring safety, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
To deliver on this ambitious project, Solomon Power partnered with B&R Enclosures, leveraging their global expertise to streamline supply, installation, and system reliability.
The partnership began with the supply of 200 Temporary Power Enclosures (TB1212/U), followed by a second order featuring fully wired enclosures pre-fitted with switchgear, GPOs, and lighting. This turnkey approach simplified on-site installation and accelerated project rollout, ensuring consistency and quality across all units.
B&R’s value-add services team played a key role in managing the wiring and fit-out process, working closely with switchgear and accessory suppliers in Australia to deliver a complete, ready-to-install solution. Their hands-on approach not only ensured technical excellence but also supported Solomon Power in meeting tight project timelines.
In 2016, B&R proudly hosted Mr. Kitione Maluguleva, Regulatory Manager of the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority, at their Heathwood facilities in Brisbane. The visit fostered a deeper collaboration, allowing both teams to align on how B&R’s turnkey solutions could further support Solomon Power’s electrification goals.
Together, Solomon Power and B&R delivered more than just electrical connections, they brought light, opportunity, and empowerment to communities across the Solomon Islands.
