EFL prepares for potential power supply challenges during dry spell

Energy Fiji Limited is hoping that power supply will not be disrupted for thousands of people receiving electricity from the Monasavu Dam, as Fiji faces a dry spell for the next three months.

EFL CEO Hasmukh Patel says they are considering what actions can be taken should the situation worsen, as there has not been much rain at the Monasavu Dam since July.

Patel says they are hopeful it will rain in due course.

The CEO notes that during last year's drought, EFL acquired 65 megawatts of generators, and most of them are still in place, however, they are looking into that issue because they are cautiously progressing and looking at what can be done, should we end up in that situation.

The Fiji Meteorological Service says ENSO-neutral conditions are currently expected to persist until at least August to October, with a transition to La Niña likely during the September to November period.

During neutral ENSO conditions, Fiji generally experiences average rainfall; however, local weather systems and lingering effects of the recent El Niño event can still cause variations, especially during the current dry season.