Te Aponga Uira has this week disconnected a number of customers who persistently failed to address long-standing debt on their electricity accounts, in line with its policy for managing customers who have not made a payment for more than 90 days.

These disconnections have been only made following multiple attempts by TAU to seek payment for electricity used but not paid for, some going back more than 5 years and exceeding $10,000.

“Sadly, some of our customers have not been making any attempt to pay their power bills and our team have made many attempts to support these customers to address their long-standing and persistent debt, but they have refused to address it and/or consistently failed to commit and stick to payment plans offered by TAU”, said Chief Executive Officer, Lesley Katoa. “The cost for fuel remains higher than expected due to global economic conditions and TAU continues to absorb more than 50% of this increased cost. TAU can no longer provide non paying customers with free electricity when the rest of our customers do the right thing and pay. If we do not disconnect customers who aren’t paying for electricity, we fail to do the right thing for the future of Rarotonga’s electricity grid, which needs significant financial investments to continue to provide reliable electricity to our residents and visitors, and to adapt to increasing amounts of renewable energy.” 

TAU publicised its updated approach to managing persistent debtors in July 2024, through TV, newspapers, its website, social media, and direct contact with customers. At the time, it stated: From 23 October 2024, any customer with an overdue balance of more than 90 days without an up-to-date, active payment plan will be identified for power disconnection.

If you are in long term debt – you haven’t paid your electricity bills for 90 days, or you haven’t cleared your balance in that time – please contact our team on 20 054 or visit our office to pay your bill or agree a written payment plan. If you don’t, you may be disconnected, and face a re-connection fee if you wish to be connected again to Rarotonga’s electricity network.

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