The ongoing outage and power rationing affecting various districts in Upolu has prompted the hiring of generators to power up borehole operations ensuring continued water supply in the affected areas. 

Samoa Water Authority (SWA) said the backup plan for water in rural areas meant hiring generators for boreholes while Electric Power Corporation (EPC) continues its effort to restore power. 

In the past week, villages on the west coast of Upolu encountered water supply disruption as boreholes rely heavily on electricity to pump water to households. 

Areas that were mainly affected include Vailuutai, Satuimalufilufi, Apolima-uta, Manono, Samatau, Siufaga Falelatai and in some days led to the closure of schools in the district. 

On Monday, the EPC informed the public in advance about ongoing power rationing to ensure system stability to optimise electricity distribution. 

The Lefaga feeder outage was unplanned for Monday said the EPC and resulted in the adjustment of power outage in other areas for Tuesday and Wednesday. 

“Given the high electricity demand during the daytime, these scheduled outages are essential to support network stability and minimize unexpected disruptions,” said EPC in a notice.

“Our Fuluasou Power Station will continue monitoring power availability, and restoration

efforts for the Alaoa South Coast and East Coast Feeders will begin as soon as supply conditions allow, with the goal of restoring power before 3 PM wherever possible.

“For the West Coast Feeder, power will be restored progressively before 12 AM as capacity permits, ensuring that locations are brought back online as soon as supply levels

allow.” 

According to EPC the frequent outage is attributed to faulty underground transmission line and underway is construction of overhead redundancy line from Siusega to Fuluasou substation via Tuanaimato to ensure stable and alternative pathway for power transmission. 

The work is due to complete within two weeks, the corporation assured. 

In relation to Fiaga generators, the EPC said there is electricity generation shortfall and additional generators are being procured to meet increasing electricity demand. 

EPC has placed orders for additional generators to support growing electricity demand. 

The severe weather events on Sunday 9^th March has also caused widespread damage across the island affecting power lines and infrastructure. 

To manage the current electricity constraint the EPC has implemented scheduled power rationing program and the public and businesses are asked to adhere to the changes.