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As stated by the ADB, the program will combine priority energy sector investments, targeted reforms, and support for long-term planning to restore Samoa's energy security and support the transition to renewable energy. In the short term, the focus would be to stabilize supply through restoration and strengthening of generation assets, modernization of grid infrastructure and deployment of battery energy storage systems to integrate variable renewable energy and enhance system resilience, including to climate and disaster risks.
The proposed program will support the Government of Samoa's priority to restore and maintain reliable power supply through targeted generation and grid stabilization measures, to advance policy and institutional reforms to address sector governance and improve financial sustainability, and create a transparent enabling environment for private investment. It will help implement Samoa's energy transition plan toward achieving 70% clean energy generation by 2030. The objectives of the program include enhancing energy security, strengthening institutional governance and climate resilience, and lower electricity costs for households and businesses.
The stated project outputs include:
Fiaga Power Station refers to a diesel power station which was also financed by the ADB.
The ADB categorized the project E&S risks as follows:
As stated on the company's website, the EPC was established in December 1972, under the EPC Act 1972, then superseded by the EPC Act 1980 with amendments made under the EPC Amendment Act 1981. EPC completed the review of its legislation during the previous planning period, however, focus has now shifted to finalizing EPC’s position in registering as a company relative to existing legislations, in partnership with the Ministry for Public Enterprises.
In 2010, EPC operation was deregulated under the Electricity Act 2010 that established the Office of the Regulator, and opened up the market for generation of electricity supply. Since then, electricity supply generated by Independent Power Producers (IPP) using solar energy, are sold to EPC for transmission, distribution and selling to our customers. Solar energy contribution from IPP companies make up about 11% of total generation capacity.
Currently, EPC operates 9 hydro plants (1 in Savaii), solar farms at Apolima Island, Tuanaimato, Vaitele, Tanugamanono and Salelologa Savaii, a wind farm at Vailoa Aleipata, and diesel power plants at Fiaga Upolu and Salelologa Savaii. To date, works continue for further developments of its existing generation and distribution network. Total electricity generation capacity as at end of March 2020 was 130,801,660 kWh. As mandated to generate, distribute and sell electricity supply to all of Samoa, the EPC has connected up to 99% of Samoa’s population.
EPC has on record a total of 39,033 customers, using postpaid and prepaid electricity. It has also expanded its vending outlets for prepaid electricity and utilizing modern technology through using mobile phones for purchasing, to ensure customer convenience. Furthermore, EPC stayed true to its vision of ensuring affordable electricity supply for Samoa, and efforts have been in place to ensure that the cost of electricity remains affordable for everyone.
| Private Actor 1 | Private Actor 1 Role | Private Actor 1 Sector | Relation | Private Actor 2 | Private Actor 2 Role | Private Actor 2 Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | Electric Power Corporation (Samoa) | Contractor | Energy |
ADB Team Leader:
Len V. George - Principal Energy Specialist
No contacts provided at the time of disclosure.
ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF ADB
The Accountability Mechanism is an independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an Asian Development Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, they may investigate to assess whether the Asian Development Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can learn more about the Accountability Mechanism and how to file a complaint at: http://www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/main
