Get the latest information on power outage schedules in different regions of Samoa prepared for possible power outages by planning ahead and taking steps to reduce discomfort.
The ongoing power outages in the country have continued to cause significant disruptions across multiple sectors, with the Ministry of Health highlighting the urgent need for reliable electricity to maintain essential services.
APIA, SAMOA — Residents in several parts of Upolu are experiencing scheduled power outages as the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) undertakes critical maintenance work involving the rearrangement of electrical poles. This essential infrastructure project is aimed at ensuring the continued reliability and safety of the electricity supply, particularly during the rainy and windy seasons when lines can be affected by nearby trees.
The affected areas include Afiamalu, Tiavi, Siumu, and Maninoa, where the EPC has been working diligently to minimise disruptions. The EPC stresses the importance of these maintenance works for the safety and efficiency of the electrical system, especially considering the risks posed by the proximity of trees to power lines during adverse weather conditions.
Despite the challenges posed by the rainy weather, the EPC’s workforce remains committed to carrying out these vital services. The Corporation recognises the critical role of electricity in every aspect of daily life, from households to schools, churches, and businesses, and is working tirelessly to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas are advised to plan accordingly for the temporary power outages and are thanked for their patience and understanding during this period of essential maintenance. The EPC assures the public that all efforts are being made to complete the work efficiently to minimise inconvenience and ensure a safer and more reliable power supply for all.
The General Manager of Samoa’s Electric Power Corporation has confirmed that Samoa’s power supply is in a “State of Emergency” and that the nation should prepare for more power cuts and a nation-wide rationing of electricity supply.
The whole of Upolu experienced an unexpected power outage for several hours on Monday afternoon when lightning damaged two of the four generators at Fiaga Diesel Power Plant, which generates 85 million kilowatts per hour annually, which is 65% of Samoa’s national power generation.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon Tologatā Tile Tuimalealiifano confirned that the Fiaga Power Station had been directly struck by lightning, causing extensive damage to the diesel power generators.
A Meterologist with the Samoa Met Services, Silipa Mulitalo confirmed that heavy thunderstorms and lightning had been forcasted over Samoa on Monday afternoon and the worst of it did hit at about 3pm.
“Sa i luga lava o le tatou forecast uila ma faititili mo le Aso Gafua lea 27 Ianuari 2020, ae sa’o lelei lea tulaga ona e fai si malolosi o uila ma faititili o le aoauli lea po’o le 3pm local time, e tusa ma matou fa’amaumauga i taimi na fa’atupulaia ai thunderstorm clouds i luga o le atunu’u”.
The EPC General Manager said the disruption has left “only two generators operating at Fiaga and seven hydro power plants” which according to Tologatā is not enough to adequately supply Upolu.
“It is not enough to meet the power demand at the moment so we are still under a State of Emergency,”
“We are trying our very best to share what we have at the moment, but if worse comes to worse, we will have to shut off power or apply rationing to some parts of the country.”
Samoa’s sole supplier of electricity apologised to its customers for any inconvenience caused to businesses as well as to their domestic consumers.
“This has been caused by something beyond our control, it is an act of God.”
Tologatā went on to clarify that an Act of God is clearly defined in the EPC legislation as also attributed to climate change.
Tologatā says protection against lightning and thunderstorms is very much considered in the design of Fiaga Power Station, however the thunderstorms on Monday were worse than normal.
“Unfortunately the incident that happened on Monday afternoon was beyond the capacity of the design of the power station, it was very excessive.”
The General Manager confirmed that EPC engineers are currently working on the protective systems to ensure generators and power equipment are safeguarded from future thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
Asked about whether the Corporation would consider compensation for equipment and household appliances that are often damaged by fluctuations of power surges, and sudden cuts to electricity, Tologatā referred to the current EPC Act that does not allow EPC to pay compensation to companies and people affected.
“O lalo lava ia o le tulafono e le mafai ona faia se compensation, sei vagana lava o se galuega sa faia e le EPC sa faia i se nofoaga ae aafia ai meatotino a pisinisi poo ni tagata foi, ona mafai lea ona faia lea tulaga”.
Samoa opened its Fiaga Diesel Power Plant on the hills of Aleisa in April 2013. A press release at the time stated that, “the plant was intended to meet the entire power needs of the main island of Upolu, up to the year 2020”.
According to an ADB 2016 publication, the Fiaga Diesel Power Plant commissioned by EPC in 2013 is a US$100 million dollar project supported through the Power Sector Expansion Project (PSEP), to support rehabilitation and expansion of the Samoa power sector by the Samoa EPC.
“The project constructed a 23-megawatt diesel power plant for the main Upolu grid”.
“The power plant provides baseload power generation and has significantly improved reliability of power generation for EPC''s 35,000 residential, commercial, and government customers.”
4 April 2022, Apia Samoa. The Electric Power Corporation have issued a statement to confirm there are several areas of Upolu affected by the sudden power outage that occurred just before 4pm this afternoon.
Due to the heavy rainfall at this time, the Electric Power Corporation team ask for the nation’s patience as they work towards full restoration of power into homes.
Faamalulu atu i le mamalu ole tatou atunuu ae o le taimi nei oloo motusia atu le tatou eletise i nuu ma afioaga ua tuuina atu ile tatou faafanua, ona o mafuaaga le maalofia.
O loo faagasolo atu le tatou aufaigaluega mo le siaki mai ole laina, ma faaolaina atu le auaunaga i o outou ma maota ma laoa. Talu ai o le louloua ole tau, o lea e talosagaina ai lo outou paia ma lo outou mamalu. Lava papale mai ao faagasolo atu le tatou galuega fesoasoani.
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