Samoa’s electricity supply is in a “State of Emergency”
Apia, SAMOA — The General Manager of Samoa’s Electric Power Corporation has confirmed that Samoa’s power supply is in a “State of Emergency” and that the nation should prepare for more power cuts and a nation-wide rationing of electricity supply.
The whole of Upolu experienced an unexpected power outage for several hours on Monday afternoon when lightning damaged two of the four generators at Fiaga Diesel Power Plant, which generates 85 million kilowatts per hour annually, which is 65% of Samoa’s national power generation.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon Tologatā Tile Tuimalealiifano confirned that the Fiaga Power Station had been directly struck by lightning, causing extensive damage to the diesel power generators.
A Meterologist with the Samoa Met Services, Silipa Mulitalo confirmed that heavy thunderstorms and lightning had been forcasted over Samoa on Monday afternoon and the worst of it did hit at about 3pm.
“Sa i luga lava o le tatou forecast uila ma faititili mo le Aso Gafua lea 27 Ianuari 2020, ae sa’o lelei lea tulaga ona e fai si malolosi o uila ma faititili o le aoauli lea po’o le 3pm local time, e tusa ma matou fa’amaumauga i taimi na fa’atupulaia ai thunderstorm clouds i luga o le atunu’u”.
The EPC General Manager said the disruption has left “only two generators operating at Fiaga and seven hydro power plants” which according to Tologatā is not enough to adequately supply Upolu.
The General Manager confirmed that EPC engineers are currently working on the protective systems to ensure generators and power equipment are safeguarded from future thunderstorms and lightning strikes.