Tonga Power caused confusion today after issuing an outage notice in an English version that incorrectly listed Christmas Day instead of Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, as the date for a six-hour power cut affecting several eastern villages.
The notice, posted on the company’s official Facebook page, informed electricity consumers in Lapaha, Talasiu, Hoi, Makaunga, Nukuleka, Talafoʻou, Navutoka, Manuka, Kolonga, Afā, and Niutoua that power would be interrupted “Wednesday, 25 December 2025” from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
In reality, the outage occurred today, Wednesday, December 24, while Christmas Day, Thursday 25, is tomorrow.
The Tongan-language version of the notice correctly stated the date as “Pulelulu 24” (Wednesday 24), unlike the English version, which listed Christmas Day as Wednesday.
According to Tonga Power, the interruption was necessary to allow linemen to replace a high-voltage pole in Talasiu that was damaged after being struck by a vehicle.
The company said power would be restored immediately upon completion of the work, without further notice.
The misdated notice sparked confusion among residents, as the incorrect date suggested the outage would occur on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve.
Tonga Power has not issued any clarification or apology regarding the error.
Consumers seeking more information were advised to contact Tonga Power on 944.
