27 Sep 2011

American Samoa House approves halt to utility hikes

11:42 am on 27 September 2011

The American Samoa House of Representatives has approved a Senate bill that, if enacted into law, will halt next month's rate hikes in water, wastewater and underground protection fees by the American Samoa Power Authority.

The bill prohibits the Power Authority from implementing or imposing any increase in rates until further determined by the Legislative.

Additionally, the Authority shall maintain all rates and fees that went into effect on the 1st of this month, until such rates and fees are adjusted by the Legislature.

The measure now goes to the governor for review and decision but several lawmakers says they expect the governor to veto the bill.

Governor Toigola Tulafono has long supported the rate hikes by the Power Authority, who needs the revenues to carry out infrastructure improvement.