Power outage affects villages, businesses

By Adel Fruean 11 June 2021, 4:00PM

A scheduled electricity shutdown on Thursday affected 10 villages on Upolu as well as companies in the Vaitele industrial area where a number of businesses are located. 

The Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.) cut the power supply in order to undertake upgrade works that are required for high voltage electricity lines, according to a statement issued by the State-owned utility company.

According to the statement, electricity supply was interrupted from 10.00am to 5pm and affected parts of Faleula, Aele, Puipaa, Toamua, Vaitele, Vaigaga, Vaiusu, Vailoa, Vaitoloa and Vaimoso. 

“This is due to upgrade works required to our high voltage electricity lines in the clear especially in the Saina and Vailoa areas,” read the statement. 


The E.P.C. workers also used the opportunity to clear tree branches that were too close to electricity lines in the affected areas.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we kindly ask the public for your patience and understanding given the extent of the scheduled work.” 


On Thursday morning, E.P.C. employees were seen at the Vaitele area near Frankie’s Hypermarket carrying out upgrade works on high voltage electricity lines with men also clearing tree branches next to power poles.

The power shutdown affecting part of Upolu Island has led to traffic lights in the affected areas not operational.

The outage also affected local businesses with the Western Union Vaitele branch putting out a public notice to advise of their closure due to the power blackout.

“Due to power shut down in the area – Vaitele Agent will be closed for today,” read the notice.

At around 3pm on Thursday afternoon the E.P.C. posted on its Facebook to advise they are continuing with the upgrade works to high voltage electricity lines in the Saina and Vailoa areas, including the installation of a new transformer at Vaitele in order to upgrade power supply in selected areas. 

"Power was scheduled was restored this afternoon before 3.30 pm, and we thank the public for you patience and support during today's work."

By Adel Fruean 11 June 2021, 4:00PM
Samoa Observer

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