The Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.) has lifted a state of emergency for the nation's electricity supply, almost two weeks after it was declared.

The end of the state of emergency was announced by the E.P.C.'s General Manager, Tologata Tile Tuimaleali'ifano, by the Government-owned utility in an online statement. 

The state of emergency's end means that the public is no longer requested to limit its power use or face electricity rationing. 

Last Sunday, the E.P.C. were able to "reinstall" two generators and one Tesla battery pack damaged in an electrical storm.

Despite the repairs, the systems were still under close monitoring, but now they are fully hands off again.

“E.P.C. is pleased to advise our valued consumers and the public that our damaged control systems for our Fiaga generators and batteries have been successfully restored and supply of electricity is not back to normal,” the utility's statement said. 

“The General Manager also takes this opportunity to convey E.P.C.’s sincere appreciation and gratitude to all our valued customers, businesses and stakeholders for your patience and support while the Corporation was working tirelessly during this power crisis since last week Monday, 27th January 2020.”

The whole of Upolu experienced an unexpected power outage for several hours two weeks ago  when lightning damaged two of the four generators at Fiaga Diesel Power Plant.

The plant was constructed as part of a US$100 million grant from the Asian Development Bank intended to extend the scope of Samoa's power supply. 

These two generators generate 85 million kilowatts per hour annually, which accounts for 65 per cent of Samoa’s national power generation.

Tologatā told the public that lightning caused extensive damage to the diesel power generators

The damage was said to have close to halved the Fiaga's 23 megawatt power generation capacity.

The area around Apia was hit by further power interruptions this week but the E.P.C. maintained the interruptions were unrelated to the generator outages. but caused

The E.P.C. said the outages, which lasted from 9pm on Monday until late Tuesday were caused by an underground cable fault. 

The effects of the outages included delayed court proceedings, interruptions to businesses and even the canceling of the TV3 television station's daily broadcast.