Samoa’s electricity supply problems not yet over

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 26 March 2026: The electricity distribution problems that caused a major outage to the eastern side of Upolu Island on Monday afternoon, may have been resolved; but just for now.

The Electric Power Corporation continues to face serious issues that surfaced in 2024 where major faults to the underground distribution cables from the Fiaga generation station to Fuluasou caused major outages that prompted the urgent importation of 6 generators on hire.

Since then, six more generators were added on hire bringing to 12 the number of hired generators now generating electricity on Upolu Island plus solar generated electricity sources. EPC pays $400,000 a month for the generators hire.

The problems also identified then, were the serious lack of maintenance of the major generators at the Fiaga generation station that is supposed to feed most of the electricity for the island. All four generators are being sent overseas for major overhaul and are expected to be back and restore electricity generation to normal by 2028/2029.

The lack of maintenance is rampant, and reports surfaced that one of an EPC’s generators was sent overseas for maintenance and discarded there for the lack of a follow up of the generators’ whereabouts.

On Wednesday this week, the Chief Executive Officer of EPC, Faumui Iese Toimoana told the media that Samoa currently has sufficient electricity supply, powered by 12 generators, which can meet the nation’s demands unless unforeseen disturbances occur.

The Chief Executive Officer of EPC, Faumui Iese Toimoana talking to the media.

He also highlighted the importance of protecting the distribution lines, especially after recent outages caused by a damaged underground cable between Fuluasou and Tanugamanono.

To address ongoing maintenance, EPC has deployed over 40 workers to Fuluasou and Vaimoso where an underground cable failure was identified.

EPC workers have been working overtime to instal overhead powerlines to enable electricity distribution through overhead lines from Fuluasou to Tanugamanono when the underground cables fail.

The CEO also said that their ideal system includes load centers matching generator capacity to mitigate outages, although current supply levels are adequate across all regions.

Part of the 12 hired generators at the Fuluasou station costing EPC $400,000 a month.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt confirmed the seriousness of the issue.

“We have 12 standby generators which generates enough supply, but the problem now is the distribution lines,” he said.

He said the Government has spent over US$100 million to repair generators at Fiaga and Fuluasou.

When the serious problems emerged in 2024, the Minister then said there should be a investigation into the matter.

The Prime Minister agreed the matter should be investigated but the most pressing issue now is to restore and maintain electricity supply.

Also affected are the sensitive electronic equipment such as x-rays machines at the national hospital.

The government is also paying consumers who have claimed compensation for loss and damaged home appliances due to the instability of the power supply.

Anticipated impact of US-Iran war
Despite these adjustments, the reliance on diesel-powered generators remains a concern, especially the impact of the US-Iran war on global oil prices.

“The war could impact us significantly, as 70% of Samoa’s electricity depends on diesel and any increase in fuel prices will directly affect our expenses,” said Faumui.

He noted that in the absence of diesel fuel, only 30% of the population would have access to power.

The organization is working on generators at Fiaga, aiming to fix and install two by the end of this year.

This will reduce reliance on portable units and boost reliability.

Looking ahead, EPC has developed a comprehensive 10-year plan focused on upgrading the power network and expanding generation capacity.