A state of emergency (SOE) that was declared in Samoa on March 31 due to an energy crisis officially expired on April 29, following the cancellation of power rationing on Upolu Island. This announcement was made by Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena, the Controller of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC).
The emergency measures were invoked to stabilize the energy supply and alleviate the impacts of a crisis that had begun in February. During the SOE, five rental generators, providing a total of five megawatts of electricity, were installed to ensure a steady energy supply to households.
The NEOC, activated during the crisis, coordinated efforts with various government agencies and stakeholders to assess the impact of the energy crisis on both households and businesses. As of last week, ten submissions have been received from affected entities, which will aid the government in determining the necessary support.
Additionally, the government waived tax and import duties on generators and electricity-related equipment to facilitate quick access for those impacted. It is also working on securing additional financial and technical support for the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) to implement medium- to long-term solutions for energy reliability.
The proactive measures taken during the crisis reflect the government’s commitment to addressing energy needs and supporting affected citizens. As the state of emergency concludes, there is optimism for the future as the community and businesses can now look forward to restored electricity services and potential investments in sustainable energy solutions.
Hopes remain high that these efforts will lead to a more resilient energy system moving forward.
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