The Chief Executive Officer of the Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C,) Tologatā Galumalemana Tuimalealiifano, is urging families who are not connected to the the government's E.P.C. sevicves, to contact his office.

He made this annoncement at the media conference last week, during the official opening of the Pacific Power Association’s 26 Annual Conference. 

However, in pointing out that what he was talking about would cater only to low income families, he advised:  “This programme is called ‘Lifeline Tariff’. It’s only for low income families.” 

He also said that throughout the Pacific, Samoa is the only  country whose electricity services have almost covered the entire country.

“Only a small number of families don’t have the E.P.C. service,” he said. 

He did not elaborate.

All he said was that: “These families live on their plantations and we have already made public announcements about this programme. 

“Families who have not got electricity in their residences need to come into the office and we will help find a way to get them electricity.”

Tologata pointed out that if for any reason it is too expensive to install utilities poles to get electricity lines to those families, the E.P.C. would find a way to make it happen. 

He also said: “We can put up solar panels in those places to get electricty to those families." 

Incidentally, the Pacific Power Association 26 Annual Conference’s theme is "Affordable electricity for all”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa, who officially opened the conference, said that in light of the theme, "Samoa is committed to ensuring that all families have access to sustainable and affordable electricity services, as it's been highlighted in the Strategy for the Development of Samoa 2017-2020."

He went to to say: “This is also evident in the E.P.C.’s vision of using clean energy sources for sustainable and affordable electricity supply for the country. 

"This is the second time Samoa has hosted the P.P.A.," Prime Minister Tuilaepa pointed out.

The first time was in 1986 when there was very little electricity development in place, with only 12 megawatts of maximum electric demand daily. 

Explained Tuilapea: “Compared to the present situation of fast development, the volume has shifted to a maximum of 25 megawatts of electricity being used today." 

He also said: “I believe every country in our region is committed to ensuring that their people have access, to not only affordable electricity, but also to sustainable electricity supply. 

“Electricity supply and demand  in the region are amongst the highest in the world. 

“It is therefore important to explore all possible renewable resources available on our islands, to completely remove our dependency on fossil fuel."

He also pointed out: “However, renewable and green energy are not necessarily cheap.” 

Which was when he proudly pointed out that “Samoa is leading the Pacific in the development and installation of solar energy, with a total installation capacity of 14 megawatts without storage."