Samoa is experiencing a more dire electricity crisis on its main island of Upolu, with nearly every element of life disrupted due to regular power outages. For example, families are suffering average blackouts of 16 or more hours every day. Businesses are not functioning. The government has officially declared a 30 day state of emergency to stabilize things and begin immediate recovery.
The factors creating the crisis are both aged capital and mechanical failure, which have catapulted the problems following extreme weather that impacted the electrical network. The Fiaga power station that provides much of the electrical power for Upolu has suffered a number of failures in key physical capital components - damages to critical components like the turbo chargers, pistons and a separate failure in a high voltage underground transmission cable has caused significant interruptions in the capability of power throughout Upolu.
Also contributing to this scenario are delays in maintenance and parts shortage replacement. This has impacted the power grid when demand typically is beginning to rise. Heavy rains and winds from brand new storms have substantially battered already weakened power lines and poles to almost the point of collapse.
For local residents, the consequences are immediate and dire. No reliable power means no reliable food storage, communication devices, and access to health and training services. Food spoilage in households without refrigeration is becoming a major health issue.
The economic impact is severe as well. Small businesses and those in the tourist economy are facing ongoing losses. Airbnb hosts now see portable generators as critical costs of doing business to prevent cancellation and protect their electrical items. Recent surveys reveal greater than ninety percent of businesses locally have suffered multiple outages weekly, with most reporting losses over three hundred-fifty ($350) US dollars per outage.
In the face of this growing emergency, Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa declared a national state of emergency on March thirty-first. The declaration allows for fast-tracked critical repair work, while also allowing the government to begin to work on emergency measures to stabilize the grid.
Among the initial steps is installing temporary power generators. There are plans to receive emergency rental units in early April, which is a short-term way to fill the gap. At the same time, the Electric Power Corporation is working to repair the Fiaga generators and replace the damaged underground cable.
The government is looking beyond the immediate issue of just filling the void with short-term solutions to prevent future crises. The government is working on plans to import new diesel generators later this year. Additionally, Samoa is working on investing in ten megawatt solar energy with battery storage. This is part of a broader picture of diversifying energy supply sources and moving away from an aging diesel infrastructure to ensure stability.
Experts believe that a critical aspect of long-term energy security will require several steps. One is diversification. Samoa can build resilience by diversifying to include as many renewable energy sources as possible - such as solar, wind and hydropower - as well as fossil fuel. The second is modernization. To support the energy supply and demand, Samoa needs to modernize its infrastructure by upgrading transmission systems and implementing smart grid systems.
Preventative maintenance will also need to be prioritized. The more check-ups, maintenance checks, and real-time monitoring systems that are put in place, the more likely technical issues will be recognized and rectified before they become major problems. Another priority will be the development of local capability. With some investment in the training of engineers and technical personnel, Samoa will improve its ability to manage its future energy needs.
Finally, the policy framework will also facilitate and or augment these priorities. Public and private partnerships, the development of donor relationships, and more transparent electricity pricing models can all assist in building a more sustainable energy sector.
The energy crisis in Samoa has highlighted the need for reform and investment urgently. The government's emergency response measures are having encouraging results in restoring basic services. However, our ability to come out of this situation successfully relies on the ability of everyone to make broad-reaching decisions that focus on building an efficient energy system that focuses on clean energy solutions and investment in infrastructure, operational models, and people. With this in place, Samoa can develop an energy system that supports the economic development of the nation while improving people's lives and the communities they live in.