EPC Await Regulator’s Endorsement to Continue Smart Meter Program

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 22 DECEMBER 2022: The Regulator is yet to endorse the continuation of the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) smart-meter roll out after almost 9 months since it was put on hold.

“We have submitted all necessary documents to the Regulator so we are waiting for her endorsement,” the EPC Chief Executive Officer, Faumui Iese Toimoana told Talamua.

“All issues have been resolved, especially the consumers’ preference whether to have the value of the credit or units to appear on their smart meter box,” he said.

Faumui said this is the major area of concern raised by consumers and they are now given two options, whether it is credit or units they want to see appear on their meters.

The consumers main complaint was that they were not sure if the real value of the credit they bought was what they were getting and they would only get a beep as a warning when the credit was just about to run out,

The EPC Senior Engineer, Tupai Latu Posi said there are still families and companies who prefer the old system, however, there will come a time in the near future when all old cash power will be phased out and the whole country would be on smart meters.

“So if you have not installed a smart meter by then, then you will certainly be without electricity because the old system will no longer exist but it will totally be on smart meters,” said Tupai.

The CEO hopes for a quick response from the Regulator so the Corporation can proceed to cover the rest of consumers who have yet to switch.