Five rented generators arrived in Samoa on Monday to help ease the energy crisis affecting Upolu Island.
General Manager for the Electric Power Corporation, Faumui Toimoana Iese, told the Samoa Observer the generators are anticipated to be in operation after installation by April 15.
“The arrival of the hired generators will provide enough supply for all households,” he added.
Faumui said the power supply for the affected communities in Upolu will be “back to normal” by then, ending current rationing of electricity unless there is an unexpected issue with power line transmission.
The leased generators have a total capacity of five megawatts, costing the EPC $1.1 million for the six-month rental term.
Faumui explained the energy operation should have a reserve, and currently, 30 megawatts demand is needed to power up the island of Upolu.
He pointed out their current production can reach 27 megawatts and is still short by three megawatts.
He said the installation of five megawatts leased generators will ensure sufficient electricity, plus reserve.
Multiple factors contributed to the current power crisis. mechanical failures at Fiaga Power, resulting in the loss of primary generators; a faulty underground transmission line that disrupted power distribution across key parts of the national grid; severe weather events on March 9, 2025; and rising electricity demand, which placed additional strain on EPC generation capacity, particularly during peak consumption hours.
