Tonga Power Limited (TPL) failed to plan ahead, leading to last week’s power outages, Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Eke said during a press conference last Friday.
Eke told reporters that TPL has been running on just one generator instead of three because the building meant to house the gensets can’t support them all together.
“The issue should have been foreseen and addressed earlier,” the prime minister said, stressing that TPL must take responsibility for its lack of preparedness.
Acting TPL CEO Finau Moa confirmed the problem to Eke during a phone call, explaining that a Fiji-based expert has now assessed the situation and advised the company on necessary fixes.
The unexpected strain on a single generator has led to frequent blackouts, frustrating businesses and residents.
TPL said in a statement on February 11 to expect a week for full restoration assuring the public that repairs are underway while resorting to load shedding which is a controlled power outage used when electricity generation cannot meet demand.
Load shedding prevents a total blackout and ensures fair distribution of electricity. Generator 1 serves Western Tongatapu, genset 2 for CBD and surroundings and the third feeds power to eastern Tongatapu.
