The Electric Power Corporation is undergoing final checks on the installed rental generators at Fuluasou and hopes to put an end to the ongoing power rationing affecting the island of Upolu. 

Electric Power Corporation (EPC) General Manager Faumui Iese Toimoana had anticipated the temporary five-megawatt generators would be fully commissioned by Tuesday restoring the power supply. 

Faumui said once the generators are commissioned and go through test runs by Tuesday this week there will no longer be a need to ration power. 

He added the rationing schedule for this week was a backup in case there were some delays or other unforeseen setbacks.

According to EPC in a statement on Wednesday, final works were completed at Fuluasou with final inspections conducted by Aggreko Engineers and Commissioning Engineer working alongside the EPC team of engineers. This included minor remaining tasks to ensure proper earthing and safety of the site where temporary generators are operating.

“At this time, all our temporary and permanent diesel generators at Fuluasou are now fully operational.”

By Tuesday evening, the EPC had notified the generators were powered on briefly for monitoring and then safely shut down for final inspection. 

The Aggreko engineer, the company where the generators were hired from, arrived on Tuesday to carry out final checks on the diesel generators which have been already set up. 

“This includes testing all high voltage connections, transformers, cabling and protective equipment to ensure everything is safely and correctly installed,” said EPC. 

“The generators are also being integrated into the existing system at Fuluasou and connected to our main control office for full operational monitoring. 

“Final checks and adjustments are ongoing to ensure the safe and reliable use of our newly installed diesel generators. Safety first, power always.” 

As EPC continues its effort to distribute power across the island of Upolu members of the public are hoping for an end to the energy disruption. 

Faumui said there are engineers from New Zealand currently carrying out maintenance work at the Taelefaga power plant and similarly works at the Tanugamanono station.