Current weather affecting Monasavu Dam level

The current dry weather condition has had an adverse impact on the Monasavu dam level and its operations.

In a statement, FEA said from January to April and for August and September this year, the rainfall at the Monasavu Dam was well below the long term average.

Only during three months of this year, the Monasavu Dam received above average rainfall.

For the first 15 days of this month, only 37mm of rainfall has been received at the dam as compared to a long term average of 343mm for the month of October.

The dam level today is 730.48 metres above sea level.

This is only 15.48 metres above the Safe Operating Level of 715 masl.

FEA said if the dry spell continues for the rest of October, and in November and December, then the dam could reach its critical level by then or earlier.

FEA said they have been conserving water and operating the Wailoa Hydro Power Station at only 40% capacity from September onwards with 55% generation from fossil fuels and Independent Power Producer (FSC) contributing 5% to meet the electricity requirements of Viti Levu.

As a result, the authority is spending over $0.5 million per day on fuel costs.

The authority said they incurred a financial loss last month due to this high fuel bill and expects another loss in October if the current weather continues as it is.


Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa