Electricity Supply expected to return to normal this week

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 15 April 2025 – The Electric Power Corporation is having a test run of the 5 hired generators today and if successful, the electricity supply should return to normal for Upolu Island.

EPC Chief Executive Officer, Faumui Tauiliili Tuimoana confirmed in a press conference yesterday at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at Tuana’imato.

He said unless a sudden issue arises that could hinder the  work, he believes the power will be fully restored if all goes well with today’s testing. He said for a complete restoration of the power supply, the generating capacity must work hand-in hand with the network.

“If there’s an issue with the network, then that will affect the supply of electricity to some areas,” he said.

Hired generators to produce 5 megawatts
Only 3 of the five hired generators will be utilized and two on standby. Faumui explained that the hired generators will produce 5 megawatts and 3 megawatts will be used to assist with the power supply needed for Upolu Island and 2 megawatts will be on standby.

The Electric Power Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Faumui Tauiliili Toimoana and NEOC Chairperson Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena fronting the press conference.

Faumui further explained that Upolu Island electricity supply is currently operating on 32 megawatts with 20 megawatts coming from the generators stationed at Fiaga. Twenty megawatts is produced by the Tanugamanono generators and the Taelefaga, Lalomauga, Faleole Fe’e and Vaisigano hydro-stations and solar power.

“We use 30 megawatts to generate electricity to the whole of Upolu Island and 2 megawatts on standby,” Faumui explained.

The CEO is confident that the hired generators 5 megawatts output is enough to solve the current electricity supply problem and is confident that with the assistance of the engineers from the company that owns the hired generators and local staff, things should run smoothly after today’s test run.

Sudden power outage on Sunday
There was no prior notice of a power outage on Sunday, however, electricity was suddenly cut off to certain areas and remained off for a long periods of time.

Faumui clarified that there was an issue with the electrical lines at Falevao which affected the Taelefaga and Lalomauaga stations hence the sudden power outage.
He confirmed that a team from New Zealand is working to fully rectify the issues at the Taelefaga station.

The serious power outages that started last month prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and upwards to $20 million tala funding has been allocated to rectify the problem.