Fiji could face electricity rationing if the current El Niño-related dry conditions persist, with water levels at the Monasavu Dam forecast to reach the minimum safe operating level by February 2027.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau told Parliament on Wednesday that Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) had activated contingency measures to address declining hydroelectric generation at Monasavu and Nadarivatu.
He said below-average rainfall recorded in July, September and October had affected electricity generation at both hydro schemes, with forecasts indicating that dry conditions could continue into the first quarter of 2027.
“We have witnessed below-average rainfall in the months of July, September, and October this year which is affecting the generation from both Nadarivatu and Monasavu to meet the daily demand,” Mr Tuisawau said.
He said the Monasavu Dam level stood at 728 metres above sea level on November 3, just 13 metres above its minimum safe operating level of 715 metres.
Monasavu was currently supplying about 30 per cent of Viti Levu’s electricity generation requirements as EFL sought to conserve water.
“At this generation mix it will continue to receive 50 percent of the rainfall it is forecast that the Monasavu Dam level will reach the minimum safe operating level towards February,” he said.
Mr Tuisawau said the situation was also affecting Nadarivatu, which relied on river inflows to generate electricity.
“Due to the El Niño effect the Nadarivatu Hydro has been restricted to generating a maximum 5 megawatts,” he said.
The facility has an installed capacity of 44 megawatts but has been operating for only two to three hours during the day to help meet peak demand because of limited rainfall.
To address the situation, EFL has ordered 16 additional one-megawatt containerised diesel generators to supplement electricity supply on Viti Levu.
Eight generators are expected to arrive at the end of November and be commissioned in December, while the remaining eight are expected to be commissioned in December or early January 2027.
Mr Tuisawau said construction was also progressing on EFL’s new 30-megawatt heavy fuel oil power station at Vuda, which is expected to be commissioned in December.
He said electricity generation using heavy fuel oil was between 30 and 50 per cent cheaper than diesel generation.
The additional capacity is expected to help meet electricity demand while reducing pressure on Monasavu and conserving its remaining water reserves.
However, Mr Tuisawau warned that power rationing remained an option if the dry conditions continued.
“Energy Fiji Limited’s fallback position if the El Nino is extended is to activate the power rationing plan,” he said.
“This will only be activated as a last resort to conserve energy, water at Monasavu and ensure Energy Fiji Limited’s financial sustainability is safeguarded.”
He said EFL was monitoring rainfall and dam levels daily and adjusting its electricity generation mix to manage the situation.
