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The water level at Fiji’s Monasavu hydro dam has dropped over the last few months and has reached critical levels says Fiji Electricity Authority chief executive officer Hasmukh Patel.
He said this was a result of low rainfall over the past few months.
“We have had below average rainfall for the past few months and this has had an adverse impact on the dam level,” Patel said.
“The past few weeks haven’t been any better and our dam level has been dropping daily.
“The outflow, as a result of usage in generating electricity is much much more than the inflows which have been minimal.”
Patel said the dam level had dropped to 730.61 metres above sea level compared to 732.57 metres at the beginning of the month.
“The situation is critical as we are not receiving the due rainfall.
“We need to preserve water to ensure that we get through the dry season and the authority as a result has to increase the use of thermal fuel for energy generation which is having a huge negative impact on our financial performance.”
Patel said the FEA is urging and seeking the assistance of its customers to conserve energy.
By Edwina Chand
