A proclamation on a state of emergency declared on 31 March in response to the energy crisis will not be extended and effectively expired on Tuesday, 29 April. 

This was confirmed by the Controller of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena. 

The end of the brief state of emergency that the island of Upolu followed the cancellation of power rationing on the island just before the Easter long weekend. 

Five rental generators (a total of five megawatts) installed a few weeks ago provided a steady supply of energy to households in Upolu.  

The state of emergency was declared to enable the government to implement urgent measures to stabilise the energy supply and mitigate the impact of the crisis that had been experienced since February. 

The NEOC was activated during the period to coordinate response efforts in close collaboration with government agencies and key stakeholders. This includes a rapid assessment for households and businesses in Upolu on how the energy crisis has impacted those affected, and their submissions will assist the government in providing necessary assistance. 

As of last week, the NECO confirmed 10 submissions for assessment, five from businesses and five from households that will be reviewed by a subcommittee and go through the verification process. 

Under the SOE, the government provided assistance by way of lifting tax and import duties on generators and other electricity-related equipment, including renewable energy systems, procured by EPC, households, businesses, and organisations for electricity generation. 

The government also worked towards securing additional and targeted financial and technical support to assist EPC in implementing medium to long-term remedial works on energy.