Samoa: Ongoing power outages likely to continue until a permanent solution is found

Around 4 June, the General Manager of the Electric Power Corporation, Faumui Iese Toimoana, stated that the intermittent power outages in Upolu are due to solar power fluctuations. These have triggered under-frequency protection, resulting in power interruptions to some feeders. Toimoana stated that intermittent power outages are necessary to prevent a total system collapse, adding that some engines at the Fiaga Power Plant had developed mechanical faults and required a part replacement, which will take 12–15 months to arrive, including manufacture. Businesses within the West Feeder of the EPC power grid have disclosed that the ongoing power outages are having a negative effect.

Assessment: The intermittent power outages come just a few weeks after technical experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Okinawa Electric Power Incorporated left the country. In April, the EPC took delivery of six generators to boost energy production (see PACSUM #20). The ongoing power outages are likely to continue until a permanent solution is found. Private, commercial and government imports of generators and solar panels are expected to surge until the ongoing power outages are resolved. Trade in rechargeable batteries and lamps is likely to increase.

Sources: Andrina Elvira Burkhart, “Power instability causes outages,” Samoa Observer, June 24, 2025.