Compensation for household electricity damages under State of Emergency

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 31 March 2025 – Compensation for households and businesses with proven damages due to the power outages is one of the issues now open under the State of Emergency declared today for 30 days.

Tax and import duties will also be lifted for generators and other electricity-related equipment, including renewable energy systems procured by EPC, households, businesses and organisations for electricity generation.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said, “The projected economic costs of the crisis are estimated to reach approximately 16% of GDP for the 2025 calendar year, underscoring a severe disruption to national productivity, public services and economic activity.”

However, members of the public have already questioned the feasibility of families procuring and delivering generators in 30 days from overseas and also ensuring electric products entered duty free under SOE status be sold by local businesses at fair prices.

The Prime Minister said that the SOE is to enable Government to implement emergency measures necessary to manage and restore the national energy supply, protect public health and safety and maintain essential services.

“As a result of continuous power outages and electricity rationing, the Government acknowledges the significant impact on our people and the economy,” she said.

Fiame said there will be additional assistance and resources to support households, businesses, and private organisations adversely affected by the crisis.

“This is only within the time of the SOE,” said Fiame.

The Government has also put aside financial and technical support to assist EPC in implementing medium to long term remedial works.

The impact of power outages has resulted:

• In damages to household’s utilities and the safety of residential buildings has been extensive,
• Impacted and compromised the storage of perishable food supplies in retail and wholesale outlets posing health risks and
• Impacted on private businesses and corporations is detrimental affecting operations and livelihood.

$1.4m for leased generators from overseas
EPC CEO, Faumui Tauiliili Toimoana said two leased generators from overseas will arrive this week, 5 April to provide immediate relief address the crisis until the full electricity supply is restored to its full potential.

These generators are leased for $1.4m for 6 months until the arrival and commissioning of permanent generators in August 2025.

The Government has approved up to $10m to buy new generators from China and spare parts for the damaged Fiaga generators that will take longer to arrive in order to restore them to full operational capacity.