Tonga Power Limited (TPL) has commissioned two additional generators at Popua Power Station, boosting electricity generation capacity by 3.52 megawatts as the company continues efforts to address longstanding power outages and supply instability across Tongatapu.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua (right) and the Australian Interim High Commissioner (centre) inspect one of the two newly commissioned Cummins QSK60 generators at Popua Power Station, accompanied by a Tonga Power Limited staff member. The generators add 3.52 megawatts to Tonga’s electricity generation capacity.

The commissioning comes against a background of repeated electricity disruptions that have affected households, businesses and essential public services, with generator breakdowns, limited generation capacity and damaged power lines contributing to the problems.

In a statement issued on 13 October, TPL said the two Cummins QSK60 generator sets would strengthen electricity supply reliability and stability, particularly during periods of high demand, scheduled maintenance and unexpected generator failures.

Each generator provides approximately 1.76 megawatts, giving the company additional operating reserves and greater flexibility to maintain electricity supply when existing equipment is unavailable.

Temporary generators support upgrades

TPL said the two QSK60 units would provide immediate generation capacity while the company progresses Project Kalofiama, which is intended to deliver a permanent powerhouse solution under the Tonga Power Generation Upgrade Project.

The commissioning forms part of the Tonga Renewable Energy Stabilisation (TRES) programme, a partnership between the Australian Government and TPL aimed at strengthening Tonga’s electricity infrastructure and supporting greater integration of renewable energy.

TPL Chief Executive Officer Scott Westbury described the commissioning as an important step towards improving electricity reliability while broader investments continue.

“These generators provide additional capacity and system stability today, while we continue strengthening the grid and progressing Project Kalofiama,” Westbury said.

“Together, these investments are helping build the foundation for a more reliable and increasingly sustainable electricity system for Tonga.”

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, the Australian Interim High Commissioner, government representatives, TPL board members, management and project stakeholders.

Wider energy improvements underway

The TRES programme comprises three interconnected projects covering electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

The first includes the temporary generators and Project Kalofiama, while the second focuses on strengthening the 33-kilovolt transmission network and enabling the integration of the RAPID renewable energy project.

The third supports further improvements to the electricity distribution network in NNUP Area 4.

TPL said the investments would strengthen the infrastructure required to accommodate higher levels of renewable energy as Tonga works towards its target of 70 percent renewable electricity.

The company acknowledged continued support from the Australian and Tongan governments, project contractors, and technical teams, and thanked electricity consumers for their patience during the ongoing improvements.

The addition of the two generators addresses one of the problems previously identified by TPL — insufficient generation capacity during periods of high demand or equipment failure — while the wider programme seeks to improve the reliability of the electricity network.

Longstanding outages disrupt communities

The commissioning follows years of repeated electricity disruptions that have generated public frustration and criticism of TPL’s ability to maintain a reliable power supply.

As previously reported by Kaniva News, electricity consumers across Tongatapu experienced recurring outages this year in March and April, including load shedding caused by limited generation capacity, generator breakdowns and damaged overhead power lines.

In April, public frustration intensified after generator faults forced further load shedding across several communities, prompting residents to appeal directly to Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua for intervention.

Some households reported losing access to running water when electricity outages disabled village water pumps, while others raised concerns about disruptions affecting elderly residents, children and people dependent on electrical medical equipment.

The interruptions also affected government services, with the Ministry of Justice confirming in April that power failures had temporarily disabled its civil registry system, preventing the issuance of birth, death and marriage certificates.

In May, an unexpected blackout disrupted Fakamē Day celebrations, leaving children in several churches unable to use microphones during their performances.

Planned interruptions continue despite upgrades

Electricity interruptions have continued this month as TPL carries out further maintenance and infrastructure improvements.

In a public advisory, the company announced a scheduled power outage from 11pm on Wednesday, 14 October, until 7am on Thursday, 15 October, affecting several communities across Tongatapu.

The company said the interruption was necessary to replace part of a high-voltage power line to improve supply reliability and reduce the risk of future faults.

Areas scheduled for an eight-hour outage included parts of Fasi, Ngeleʻia, Mailetaha and Pahu.

Other communities, including parts of Kolofoʻou, Longolongo, Havelu, Tofoa, Pea and surrounding areas, were warned of shorter interruptions during the same maintenance period.

TPL advised customers to charge essential devices, prepare emergency lighting and protect sensitive electrical appliances.