Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — There is a possibility that the power outage early Monday morning is linked to the attempted burglary of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at the Laufou Shopping Center. This was confirmed by Police Commissioner Taʻaga Saite Moliga in response to queries from Samoa News. 

“I can confirm that the ATM at the Laufou Shopping Center was targeted by a suspect who is now in the custody of Police,” said Taʻaga. He further noted the possibility the outage was linked to the attempted burglary.

“The incident occurred at the same time the power outage occurred, so we are investigating that as well,” he said. 

The suspect currently has a pending case with the court on similar incidents. 

The American Samoa Power Authority announced on Monday morning the  power outage occurred early morning, affecting areas from Tafuna to the far west, including Aoloau and extending to Fagaʻalu. The cause was an underground fault on Feeder 5, located outside the Tafuna Power Plant. As of 11 a.m., businesses in the industrial park were still experiencing the outage, according to public notices from the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA).

By 9 a.m., ASPA crews had successfully restored power to most areas on the west side, including Tafuna and Aoloau. The line crews are currently tracing Feeder 5 to locate the fault, which will allow them to isolate and repair it safely. Additionally, ASPA water crews have been dispatched to inspect water facilities and ensure water pressure is maintained, minimizing any impact on water service.