14 Jun 2010

Samoa government considers ending power supply monopoly

10:07 am on 14 June 2010

Samoa's only electricity supplier, the Electric Power Corporation, will soon face competition, when proposed legislation aiming to establish a power regulator becomes law.

The Electric Power bill passed its second reading last week.

The Minister of Works, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau, says the public will benefit from the move, because they will have a choice of power company, based on cost and service.

Under the proposed legislation a regulation office will be established to give independent decisions on power charges and for issuing licenses to power providers.

Tuisugaletaua Sofara says an overseas company has already shown interest in providing a solar power system which will provide electricity for one third of the two main islands of Upolu and Savaii.