E.P.C. sorry for communication failure

By Adel Fruean 11 June 2020, 10:00AM

The Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.) has apologised for what it terms as a communication failure after they switched off the electricity before consumers were informed.

On Saturday 30 May 2020, E.P.C. alerted customers via their Facebook page that the power would be interrupted from 11am until 6pm, affecting villages from Togafuafua to Papauta. 

The public notice, published on Facebook at 11:05am, was signed by General Manager, Tologata Tile Tuimaleali'ifano, dated 30 May.

E.P.C. stated the power shutdown was to install a new transformer in Motootua, and to upgrade high voltage electricity lines.

The short notice power outage led to various businesses owners and E.P.C. consumers in the area, especially in the hospitality and retail sector to relay their concerns on social media.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, the E.P.C. General Manager, Tologata Tile Tuimaleali'ifano conveyed the apologies on behalf of the Corporation.

“The matter was only brought to my attention on Friday last week,” he said.

Tologata added that their Corporation’s process as part of its policies has to have a three days public notice in advance before any power outage to carry out maintenance works.

“Unfortunately our Communications Unit failed, and our notices did not go through that should have been done before Saturday’s planned switching to do the maintenance.

“We convey our sincere apologies to our consumers and the public for the failure by E.P.C. over an incident that occurred on Saturday which led to complaints.

“If I knew they did not issue a public notice I would have stopped maintenance work and the matter was brought to my attention last Friday.”

He added that he has instructed his staff that if they fail in the future to do a public notice three days in advance in alignment with its policies, E.P.C. will not conduct any maintenance work.

 Some of the business owners that expressed disappointment were Phat Burger owners, Kelly Walker and Kylie Fauchelle.

“Professionalism at its finest,” Ms. Walker said. “Too bad for those businesses who have been shopping all morning to fill fridges and freezers that are now useless. Thanks for the notice, as if businesses aren't struggling enough at the moment.”

“Why can't these things be done at night,” Mr. Fauchelle wrote.  “This is no help to anyone. This is the reason monopolies are a bad idea.”

By Adel Fruean 11 June 2020, 10:00AM

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