Stolen power

More than 200 families throughout the country have been found to have “obtained electricity by fraudulent means” through the use of the cash power system.

Some seventy of them have been referred to Police for further investigation and charges.

But the number is “just the tip of the iceberg,” Parliament was told yesterday.

The figures were revealed when the Electric Power Corporation’s (E.P.C) Annual Report for 2009-2010 was tabled for debate in the House. Associate Minister for the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Tafua Maluelue Tafua, said the figures are extremely alarming.

Two weeks ago, the M.P. for Aleipata Itupa i Lalo said he accompanied a constituent, whose power had been disconnected, to the E.P.C Office at Sogi.

“I didn't know that my constituent was using electricity illegally,” he said. “He was caught during spot checks.”

At the E.P.C.’s office, an official “told me that when it comes to obtaining electricity by illegal means, the problem is spreading like a wildfire.

“She told me there are over two hundred families whose cases are pending and that they’ve been fined over a thousand tala.”

But there is a much more serious issue, Tafua said.

“If that’s the case, there is over $200,000 that’s not been recovered by the Ministry and yet I’ve been told that this is just the tip of iceberg,” he said. The Associate Minister said E.P.C should carry out an investigation into its workers who are likely to be behind such scams.

“These workers are pocketing the money, instead of the government getting the electricity money,” he said.

“They should be found out and dealt with appropriately.” In support of Tafua, Deputy Speaker, Agafili Patisela Tolova’a, reminded Parliament it was common knowledge that meter installations and the inspection of houses are done by E.P.C.

“What I want to understand,” he said, “when exactly is this process being corrupted through the use of illegal means?”

Associate Minister of Education, Le’aupepe Tole’afoa Fa’afisi, said the issue is so serious the government should make it a priority to stop it.

“We need to stop these corrupt ways of obtaining electricity through illegal means,” he said. “It only takes one fly to ruin the oil.”

Le’aupepe said in Samoa, there is always a tendency for one Samoan to con another. “E.P.C workers need to regularly check (the meters),” he said.

Le’aupepe said his worst fear is that such corrupt ways are “probably why E.P.C is increasing the charges because there is so much money that’s being lost through these illegal means.”

Le’aupepe also urged E.P.C to be more vigilant.

“There are countless families whose metres are still working even though you cannot enter cash power,” he said.

“We’ve notified the Ministry but they still haven’t come to check.” Salega M.P., Afualo Dr. Wood Salele said it’s been four years since Samoa switched to cash power.

“With any technological development, it takes only one or two years to find all the problems. My observation is that problems with this system are not decreasing, they’re only increasing,” he said.

“As a result, the service now is so much more expensive because of all these problems that have arisen. It’s costing the users so much more.”

Afualo said Parliament needs to look deeper into why people are stealing electricity.

“Looking at the report before us, there is no recommendation about reducing the cost of electricity and yet this is why people are taking it through illegal means.

“Most people with low incomes can’t afford, it that’s why they try (to steal it).”

Afualo said it doesn't matter what law Parliament introduces to “provide guidance, it will always be broken.”

“Why? People want to survive. Yes we have to pay for the service but we should look at the cost so that everyone can afford it.”

Acting Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo disagreed. “It appears from the M.P.’s statement that this is the only reason people are stealing electricity is because they are poor and have no money,” he said.

“There are many other reasons. There is also the type of people who can afford it but they want things for free and that’s why they try to get it for free.”

While Parliament had highlighted the actions of “dishonest members of the public,” Fonotoe said that “maybe there are also dishonest workers in the Ministry.

“Dishonesty is found everywhere and in everyone,” he said. The leader of the Opposition, Palusalue Fa’apo II, immediately objected.

“The allegation against the workers, that they are dishonest, is serious,” he said.

“The question (from Afualo) is about the reason why people steal electricity and that reason is because the cost of living is expensive, they’ve got no other choice.”

Fonotoe again interjected saying there are dishonest people everywhere, whether it’s in the public or private sector.

“No company or Ministry is spared (when it comes to dishonesty),” he said.

“It’s not because they are poor but there are other factors such as dishonesty, it happens everywhere.”

As Palusalue was trying to respond, Speaker La’auli Leautea Polata’ivao took the floor to explain. “People who break the law should be charged,” he said, adding that E.P.C officials have also been trying their best. As for people who steal electricity, the Speaker said “it’s unfair for them to use it for free while everyone is paying for it.”

Back on the floor, Afualo pointed out that “dishonesty is not the same as desperation.” Palusalue backed his fellow Tautua M.P.

“The cost of living and the cost of electricity are so expensive,” he said. “There are people who have gone back to kerosene lamps, others are using candles. Why?

Electricity is so expensive.” Palusalue reiterated that one of the reasons the price of electricity has become so expensive is due to the $100 million loan taken out to fund the Fiaga Power station. “Now the country is carrying the burden of the loan,” he said.

“And yet the government says when we debate the Budget that the government can afford it. “What’s happening now?

People are suffering in paying for the debt. (What will happen is that) they will return to kerosene lamps, candles.” Acting Prime Minister Fonotoe objected to this suggestion. “How do we bring electricity?” he asked Palusalue.

“How do we make sure they’re working? Do we do it free? We have to have money so we borrow money and the Ministry implement its programmes to make sure the lights work. “Do we do it for free?” In response, Palusalue said: “Not for free, but be considerate. “Be considerate because the lives of some people have gone backwards.”

Palusalue challenged the government to incorporate the loan into the main Budget so that people “don't have to break their back paying for it.” “What’s happening now is that people, business people don't know what to do because the cost of electricity is so expensive,” Palusalue told Parliament. “They cannot afford it. They might as well close (shop), put their hands up.”

Looking at the Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, Palusalue said: “Mr Minister of Finance, bring the loan so that the government will pay for it from the budget.” Fonotoe returned to counter Palusalue, saying that the government is “being considerate” according to what people can afford.

“Everything is done through consultation…” Fonotoe said.

“The problem with your consultation is that you are not talking to the people who are suffering,” Palusalue retaliated. At that point, Associate Minister Maualaivao Pat Him took the floor. He cautioned Palusalue against making reference to “business people,” saying he should instead refer “to the feeling among the general public” about the cost of electricity. Faleata M.P., Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, joined the debate to remind the Speaker that “I see the member has pink eye… you should tell him to leave.”

Leala’s point brought laughter to the house. But Palusalue was not finished.

“I know some hotels who are paying over $10,000 or more in electricity bills in a month and they have no tourists,” he said.

“There are resorts and hotels in my constituency that are suffering.”

This drew Minister Faumuina to the floor. Said he: “The leader of the Opposition is saying there are no tourists and that means they shouldn't be using the electricity. So how can the bill be $10,000?”

Countering the claim that the country is going backwards, Faumuina pointed out that there are over 30,000 households using electricity. “So when we talk about two hundred people involved in meter tampering, that doesn't even amount to half a per cent. Which means it’s an area that the Ministry can work on (to stop).”

Faumuina told Parliament that about 80 per cent of the population are paying the lower cost of electricity, depending on their usage, while the rest are paying the more expensive rate. Palusalue disagreed. He countered the Finance Minister comments, claiming that Samoa has the most expensive electricity rate in the Pacific.

This angered the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala who demanded that Palusalue provide proof. Siumu M.P., Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota added his voice. “The Opposition leader is complaining about the cost of electricity,” he said. “My advice is for him to go to sleep early to save electricity.”

To which Palusalue responded: “This M.P. only tells jokes. I’ll ignore it.”

On a more serious note, Palusalue also questioned government promises to make greater use of coconut oil and biodiesel. He said these things don't work because he saw a vehicle that had used it at a mechanic shop. The Minister of Environment, Fa’amoetauloa Dr. Faale Tumali’i, immediately objected, demanding proof from Palusalue.

“Stop these campaign speeches, the country is not stupid, they’re listening,” he said.

The Minister then asked the Speaker to demand that Palusalue provide evidence for his claims.

“I thought the Minister wouldn't speak like this,” responded Palusalue.

“There is the C.E.O and his workers - he should ask them to confirm what I’m saying. I won’t go look for it, you look for it yourself.”

At that point, Speaker La’auli ordered Palusalue to stop. He also asked for the claims against coconut oil and the price of electricity in Samoa being the most expensive to be removed from Parliament records. But Associate Minister Le’aupepe Fa’afisi had the last say.

“We all know the leader of the opposition enjoys a pint,” he said.

“Perhaps he got it (claims about coconut oil and the price of electricity) from a pub.”

Parliament continues today.