Low dam levels threaten Fiji's power supply amid El Nino fears

Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) is navigating one of its most difficult years, contending with critically low water levels at the Monasavu Dam and unpredictable global fuel prices. EFL Chief Executive Officer Fatiaki Gibson stated the company is closely monitoring the nation's hydro resources as Fiji enters its dry season.

Gibson revealed that the Monasavu Dam's water level has fallen below EFL's optimal operating threshold. He assured that precautionary measures are being implemented to maintain a stable electricity supply, especially as forecasts predict an extended dry period. "We are also preparing, Chairman and members, for this phenomenon that we are hearing from the specialist, which is the Super El Nino," Gibson said. "So we have this fuel crisis, but we also have this phenomenon. And for us, the science is saying that this region, the West Pacific, will undergo a prolonged dry season. We’ve had rain in June, but we are conscious that instead of the rain coming in, say, November, December, it might be prolonged."

The CEO also highlighted the added pressure on electricity generation costs stemming from sharp increases in global oil prices. To mitigate these risks, EFL has enhanced its fuel procurement and inventory management strategies. The company is also intensifying its monitoring of weather patterns and hydrological conditions, while maximizing generation from independent power producers.

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We are also preparing, Chairman and members, for this phenomenon that we are hearing from the specialist, which is the Super El Nino. So we have this fuel crisis, but we also have this phenomenon. And for us, the science is saying that this region, the West Pacific, will undergo a prolonged dry season. We’ve had rain in June, but we are conscious that instead of the rain coming in, say, November, December, it might be prolonged.