Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Residents across the capital were left frustrated again this evening after another burnt overhead power line caused widespread outages — the latest in a series of similar incidents reported this month.
The now‑familiar phrase “interruption in your areas due to a burnt overhead power line” has become normal, adding to public frustration alongside another phrase that became notorious after the Hunga eruption — the “spike in electricity costs,” which prompted Parliament to establish a select committee investigation in 2023.
This evening, Wednesday, 25, electricity consumers took to social media within minutes of the blackout, voicing anger over the recurring problem and questioning why the same issue continues to disrupt power supply across major parts of Tongatapu.
“Koeha koaa palopalema ‘oku ‘ikai lava ai ‘o solova kae mate pehe,” one consumer wrote on Facebook, questioning why the ongoing outages cannot be resolved.
Other commenters — some of whom appeared unaware of the outage notice when it was issued — echoed similar concerns, with several saying they were in the middle of watching a movie or doing their evening chores when the power went out.
Tonga Power Limited (TPL) confirmed tonight that the latest outage was caused by a burnt overhead line located between Tupoulahi Road and Salote Road.
The fault triggered a temporary interruption affecting a long list of communities in the whole of Nuku’alofa, including Ma’ufanga, Uafu Kuini Salote, Houmakelikao, ‘Umusī, Fangaloto, Popua, Pātangata, Touliki, Fasi, Kolofo’ou, Nuku’alofa Central, Kolomotu’a, Sopu, ‘Isileli, Tongata’eapa, Longolongo, Tu’atakilangi, Halaovave, Kapeta, Vaololoa, Haveluloto and parts of Tofoa.
In its public notice, TPL said crews were working urgently to repair the damage, with partial restoration expected immediately in some places, while full repairs in the remaining areas could take two to three hours.
The company again apologised for the inconvenience and asked for patience as technicians worked to restore supply safely.
This latest incident follows repeated warnings from Tonga Power earlier in the month, in which the company explained that the burnt‑out lines were the result of excessive heat generation.
It formed part of TPL’s ongoing public notices to consumers across parts of Tongatapu, warning of possible load‑shedding due to “limited generation capacity” — a situation driven by maintenance on key generators and “reduced solar generation” caused by poor weather conditions.
Despite TPL being transparent with the cause of the outage and publishing it on its Facebook account, consumers have become increasingly vocal, saying the ongoing disruptions are unacceptable and calling for more permanent solutions.
Social media users have questioned whether the network is being adequately maintained — particularly as similar faults have occurred repeatedly within the past few weeks.
TPL said tonight’s damaged line is being prioritised, with full restoration to occur “as soon as it is safe to do so.” The company encouraged the public to contact its 24‑hour support line on 0800 123 or 944 for further information.
