17 Oct 2017

American Samoa governor queries power prices

5:26 pm on 17 October 2017

Governor Lolo Moliga has asked the chair of the American Samoa Power Authority for an explanation regarding high electricity prices.

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Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller

In a letter, Lolo said there had been many public complaints about the steady rise in electricity costs.

He said the rate reached 40 cents per kilowatt hour, up from a low of 25 cents three years ago.

The governor referred to solar power projects in Manu'a, saying that there should be savings reflected in the cost of electricity.

Lolo said he understood the public concern as the rise in cost meant a reduction in purchasing power for food and other necessities.

The governor said this was exacerbated by the reduction in work hours for government employees to offset losses from factory closures and tax collection delays.

An executive with the authority has told Samoa News the rate was still about 29 cents with the perceived increase due to a new billing system.

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