The Minister for Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Va'ai, has strongly rejected claims from the Deputy Opposition Leader, Lauofo Pierre Lauofo that the Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.) is struggling financially. 

The debate unfolded during parliamentary discussions on the Finance and Expenditure Committee's report for the Ministry of Public Enterprises' Annual Report for the financial year 2021/2022 presented by the Committee Chair, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau.

The point of contention arose when Lauofo questioned the financial performance of EPC during the reporting period, specifically for dividends paid to the government by Public Trading Bodies. 

Lauofo, pointing to the report and the Chair's explanation, argued that EPC had made no profit during the period, prompting concerns about the Corporation's financial health.

In response, Minister Olo Fiti Va'ai explained that the reported period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, which had significantly impacted the country’s economy, including E.P.C.'s operations. 

He added that the Corporation had set aside $5 million for four new generators to bolster the country's power supply during the recovery phase.

"EPC is doing well financially, despite the challenges," Olo asserted. "We've invested heavily—buying new transformers and generators to meet the growing electricity demand. And when the demand increases, EPC adapts by upgrading equipment, like transformers, to ensure we keep up with capacity needs. Yes, there may be power interruptions, but those are often caused by external factors such as accidents or fallen trees.

"EPC can't carry out installations of these transformers without switching off the power. And when they do, they always inform the public two days prior."

However, Lauofo remained unconvinced, pressing the Minister further on the issue of frequent power outages in recent months, particularly in Savai'i and Upolu, and even at the Prime Minister’s residence over the weekend. 

"If you've brought in new equipment, why are we still experiencing these outages? Power even went off at the Prime Minister’s house!" Lauofo pointed out.

Olo responded that two generators were responsible for supplying power to Savai'i residents and outages were typically caused by external disruptions. 

"The only time there are outages is when power lines are damaged, such as when a car crashes into a pole or a tree falls on the lines," Olo said. 

"As for the Prime Minister's residence, the power didn’t go off in the area. The electricity was still on in Vaiala. There could have been an issue with the switch.

"Maybe one of the securities touched the switch." 

Lauofo was not satisfied with the Minister's explanation, accusing Olo of speculating rather than investigating the cause of the outage at the Prime Minister's residence. "The Minister should have looked into the matter instead of guessing," Lauofo retorted.

At this point, Speaker Papali'i Li'o Taeu Masipau intervened, urging both sides to move on from the dispute to allow the session to continue. 

The Parliament session stretched late into the night, lasting until 11 pm.