Cheaper electricity on the agenda

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 02 August 2017, 12:00AM

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Meg Taylor, has called for an innovative approach to cheaper electricity for the Pacific region.

She was speaking at the Pacific Power Association’s (P.P.A.) 26th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition opened yesterday.

Held at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel in Apia, more than 200 delegates from around the world are attending the discussions based on the theme “Affordable Electricity for All.”

 “Globally and throughout the region, governments have made a policy priority,” said Taylor. “The success or failure of this priority rests with key implementers of energy investment decisions such as yourselves.”

Taylor reminded the participants about their key role in the issue of energy affordability. 

“Energy security is fundamental in achieving our social and economic development aspirations and national development strategies,” she said. 

“As leaders of the various public utilities your understanding of the national vision and the involvement in the implementation and vital to bring energy policies and implemented successfully." 

“You all here are no strangers to the pressures in trying to balance your management decisions with policy demands.” 

Taylor pointed out that from a policy makers view, to ensure energy security they must have several pillars in particular accessibility, reliability, affordability and sustainability.

“It means that rethinking the ways that energy is sourced, generated, distributed, cost and used."

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi welcomed all the participants of the conference to Samoa.

 “We are happy to host every year’s conference if you will allow us to do so,” he said.

“In the light of this year’s theme of affordable electricity for all, I believe every country in our region is committed to ensuring that our people have access to not only affordable electricity but also sustainable electricity supply." 

“Electricity supply in the region, are amongst the highest in the world." 

It is therefore important to explore all possible renewable resources available, on our islands to completely remove our dependency on fossil fuel.”

The conference is hosted by the Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.). It is the second time E.P.C. is hosting having hosted the 5th Annual Conference in 1996.

The conference is made possible by the assistance of Diamond Sponsors, Electropar and Pacific Energy S.W.P. Limited.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 02 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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