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Another increase in fuel surcharge due to global price hikes

ASPA power plant
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The December fuel surcharge for the American Samoa Power Authority increased as the price of fuel close continues to spike globally. And if you’re a customer that spends a lot on electricity, you may have noticed the new increases. ASPA announced on Dec. 21st that the cost of fuel to generate electricity is beyond ASPA's control. 

It says that the recent spike in fuel costs, also noticeable at the local gas stations, has increased the cost of the December 2021 kWh rate, since the most recent low in January 2021 by 27%. 

According to ASPA, the fuel surcharge is approximately 70% to 75% of total kWh price. ASPA released on its Facebook page the breakdown of the new rate and other information.

Three gas stations visited by Samoa News last week Thursday had prices between $4.40 to $4.42 per gallon, and gas stations attendants confirmed that the price increase went into effect after Dec. 15th — which is when the Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM) released the new maximum allowable price (MAP) or whole sale price for all fuel products imported and sold in the territory.

ASPA reiterated previous statements that it continues to explore renewable energy options for American Samoa with Wind Turbine technology as well as Solar Photovoltaic Panels (PV).  These two Renewable Energy resources are the only proven technology that will fit within our islands landscape with its limited land and limited flowing water for Hydro.

“Until then, we are at the mercy of global fuel market prices and the many challenges faced with shipping & higher costs of materials around the world,” it says.