Does American Samoa have energy issues?

Although energy burdens pose a real challenge in American Samoa, the territory is working to advance energy justice. For example, the Territorial Energy Office provides home energy efficiency programs to help reduce energy costs for low-income households.

Does American Samoa have a geothermal energy plan?

The 2016 American Samoa Energy Action Plan identifies some geothermal resources, but none of these are viable for commercial electricity generation. The 2016 plan instead emphasizes the development of wind and solar power (Ness, Haase, and Conrad 2016). American Samoa is exploring opportunities for both offshore and onshore wind power generation.

What is American Samoa's energy policy?

American Samoa is committed to leveraging these and other federal funding opportunities to advance its energy goals and priorities moving forward. American Samoa’s energy policy landscape constitutes a blend of multilateral agreements, strategic plans, rules, regulations, and dedicated offices.

Where does American Samoa get fuel?

Fuel for American Samoa comes from Singapore with Busan, South Korea as an alternate provider if needed. In the case of fuel disruption, Pacific Energy prioritizes serving ASPA to ensure power and water treatment services are not interrupted (Pacific Energy representative, personal communication, August 9, 2023).

Can American Samoa develop wind power?

American Samoa is exploring opportunities for both offshore and onshore wind power generation. In 2022, federal legislation opened offshore waters around the U.S. territories (including American Samoa) to wind power development.

Why is Energy Justice important for American Samoa?

Energy justice is an important concept for American Samoa due in part to energy affordability issues. As Table 8 demonstrates, the approximate baseline home electricity burden in American Samoa in 2019 was 5.45%—compared to an approximate baseline U.S. home electricity burden of 2.11%.