More than 400 assessment forms were collected from those affected by the ongoing power outage on the island of Upolu as the state of emergency on the energy crisis expired. 

The 473 applications now in the hands of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) will be reviewed by a subcommittee that will carry out inspections and process the applications. 

NEOC Chair and Controller, Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena said the applications were submitted and channelled through 20 districts affected by the power rationing and from businesses, households and other stakeholders. 

She told the media during a press conference that the subcommittee will comprise of representatives from the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), Ministry of Finance, Electric Power Corporation (EPC), Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (MCIL), Ministry of Women Community and Social Development (MWCSD), Regulator and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.  

The committee is expected to review the application for four weeks before passing it over to the cabinet for their consideration and deliberation on the kind of assistance for those affected. 

The proclamation of the state of emergency expired on Monday this week and will not be extended. 

The EPC General Manager, Faumui Iese Toimoana, who also fronted the media, said the power supply to the island of Upolu and Manono has been fully restored. 

He said the corporation is still working to maintain a steady electricity supply and a long-term solution to support the generation of power across the country. 

Faumui also announced that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has partnered with the government to install a 10-megawatt solar system at the main plant in Fiaga and has an additional 10-megawatt battery storage. 

The project is expected to be completed by 2026 and is hoped to contribute to Samoa’s drive to reach 70 per cent renewable energy. 

Another four-megawatt generator is expected to arrive in August this year to support the generating capacity, and further down the line is works to overhaul the generators at Fiaga.