The cost of electricity in Samoa is set to drop on 1 January 2021 as the Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.) strives to to make it more affordable for consumers. 

This was confirmed by the E.P.C. General Manager, Faumui Iese Toimoana, in an interview with Samoa Observer.

The new changes to the electricity tariff have been approved by Office of the Regulator.

According to Faumui, there were a number of contributing factors that determine the change in the electricity tariff, which include fuel costs as well as electricity production from Samoa's renewable sources.

He said all these combined factors contribute to an energy charge that will determine a new tariff.  

According to the head of the E.P.C., fuel prices dropped for the month of November 2020 and renewable energy sources made a big contribution to the power grid, which led to another drop in electricity prices.   

“Compared to previous years, this is the cheapest we have had electricity prices,” he told this newspaper. 

The E.P.C. chief also emphasised that the cost of electricity for the people of Samoa will now be more affordable. 

“From the beginning, the renewable energy component was created to help our people through lowering electricity prices and sustainable for our people because we are using our natural resources,” he added. 

However, fuel prices for December have increased, which could also suggest an upcoming increase for the month of February in 2021 for electricity prices, according to Faumui. 

He also mentioned that they are trying their best to provide the best services amidst the cyclone season.

“We are finding it hard; we wanted the benefit to go back to the people of Samoa who are our customers.”

Faumui also stressed that it is also important to keep in mind that the Government’s COVID-19 stimulus package – which was effective 1 April 2020 – include a $0.10 sene reduction in the cost of electricity and was an acknowledgement of the hardship faced by citizens due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Asked about plans going forward for the corporation, Faumui said one of their main goals is for Samoa to produce electricity from 100 per cent renewable energy sources. 

“At the moment, 50 per cent of Samoa’s electricity supply is through renewable energy sources.”

He also added that there were damages to the Fuluasou hydropower plant from the recent flooding.