High ASPA bills prompt lawmaker to call for relief for the people

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Rep. Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi has requested the House ASPA committee for a hearing to discuss the continuous increasing cost of utilities over many months now.

Vailiuama told faipule during this week’s House session that the increase in utility costs is not something government leaders should take it lightly. He witnessed an increase between 30-40% for the electricity cost and the Fono needs to do something to stop ASPA from increasing the cost of electricity for our people.

Several faipule agreed with Vailiuama’s concern and said that the only way to discuss the issue with ASPA is to call a hearing.

The chair of the House ASPA committee, Rep. Alumamalu Filoiali’i Ale acknowledged the concern from his colleague and said that he will speak to ASPA about this issue before they schedule a hearing.

Here is the explanation by the ASPA on its Facebook account this week about this issue.

JULY 2022 FUEL SURCHARGE NOTIFICATION:

The increase cost of fuel to generate electricity is beyond ASPA's control.  The recent spike in fuel costs, also noticeable at the local gas stations, has increased the fuel surcharge portion of the June 2022 kWh system rate, since the most recent low in January 2021, by 59%.  That equates to a 23cent increase in the kWh rate.

ASPA continues to explore renewable energy options for American Samoa with Wind Turbine technology as well as Solar Photovoltaic Panels (PV).  These two Renewable Energy resources are the only proven technology that will fit within our islands landscape with the limited land and limited flowing water for Hydro Power.

Until then, we are at the mercy of global fuel market prices and the many challenges faced with shipping & higher costs of materials around the world.  The current war is Ukraine will continue to cause spikes in future fuel costs around the world and will ultimately affect the cost of electricity in American Samoa”.