The Electric Power Corporation will be rationing power to parts of Upolu to keep up with the high power demand as one of its generators in Fiaaga is offline.

EPC said the remaining generators are unable to keep up with the high electricity demand. 

EPC issued an emergency notice to all customers who encountered ongoing and multiple power outages across Upolu. 

Power supply to multiple areas of Upolu was disrupted throughout Monday. Meanwhile, residents claimed they had the same issue over the weekend and it was ongoing.

“To address this, we have implemented power rationing as the way to balance supply and demand at this time,” EPC stated in its emergency public notice issued on Monday evening. 

Customers in the affected areas have been informed to be prepared for possible power outages due to the current instability of the system. 

The affected areas include the West 1 Feeder that covers Aleisa to Leulumoega, Palisi Feeder that runs from Tapatapao to Leufisa, South Coast Feeder affecting Siumu running through Fagaloa to Tiavea, the East Coast Feeder disrupting power in Magiagi to Vaiala and Letogo village. 

Additionally, the industrial feeder that supplies villages in Siusega, Toamua, Tuanaimato and Vaitele were also facing the same issue and impacted by the power ration. 

To help ease the strain on the grid, EPC has kindly asked companies and hotels to assist by operating their backup generators during the time until 1 am to help manage the load and minimise disruption for customers.  

 “We are doing everything we can to stabilise the situation and appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time,” said the notice signed by General Manager, Faumui Iese Toimoana. 

“We recognise how disruptive this is for households, businesses and daily life, and we are committed to restoring normal operations as soon as possible.” 

While power outages and surges are not new in the country, many members of the public and businesses are frustrated with the costs incurred from damages caused to expensive equipment and household appliances due to power problems. 

Throughout Monday the EPC put out several notices on power outages and rationing in different areas of Upolu.