The Electric Power Corporation is keen to fix faults in its smart meter system instead of shelving the machine that has been problematic to consumers since it was introduced. 

The Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai sees the value of the technology that should be fixed so that Samoa is not left behind from the rest of the world. 

In doing so the Minister agrees with the Office of the Regulator’s order to permanently stop the installation of smart meters until all faults in the meter reading machine are addressed. 

“My concern is technology is moving forward if we remove the smart meter and our cash power system phases out we will have difficulty when it's no longer available,” Olo said in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

“So we are looking into solving this issue with the system and have to think about the long term, we have to keep up with technology and we might find that the cash power system is obsolete.” 

In April the Regulator issued an order to permanently cease the installation of smart meters following unresolved issues reported by members of the public on smart meter systems. 

E.P.C. is now required to submit essential documentation to the Office of the Regulator by the end of June 2024. This includes a detailed report on complaints received from smart meter users from July 2023 to the present day and the steps taken to resolve these issues. 

Additionally, the corporation must provide monthly reports on the monitoring system of the smart meters.

E.P.C. is still obligated to continue monitoring and maintaining the smart meters currently in use. 

The Regulator emphasised that failure to comply with these requirements would result in legal action against EPC for non-compliance.

The Minister of M.W.T.I. said he is aware there are many complaints from smart meter users and he is one of those people already on the system. 

He said some of the issues are despite problems with the display on the meter the electricity units are still being deducted. 

Olo reassured the E.P.C. is complying with orders from the Regulator to stop the installation and address technical issues with the smart system software. 

He said the overseas company contracted for the system is working on fixing the faults in the software. He said this was an added cost for the corporation. 

Lastly, he added that in any system there are challenges and issues and certain modifications to the system to make it fit Samoa.