New ASPA board member backs solar and wind, says desalination site and well compensation need follow-up

Johnson Boyer, who told senators he was recently appointed to the American Samoa Power Authority board, said the territory’s heavy reliance on diesel makes renewable projects important to reduce ratepayer exposure to oil-price volatility.

"It's a very very much worth it. I am I support very much the renewable energy projects that AS PA has ongoing today," Boyer said, adding that moving away from diesel toward solar and wind should reduce costs for ratepayers.

On the 20-megawatt photovoltaic farm, Boyer said work is still ongoing and that he believed the project team aims to commission the facility before the end of the year, but he did not have details on how much of the installed capacity is currently integrated into the grid.

Boyer expressed support for the wind farm while noting engineering challenges in getting full generation from turbines and said ASPA engineers and staff are conducting studies prior to commissioning. He said he is aware of a smart (debit) meter project but does not yet have the details and will follow up with more information.

The senator raised concerns about water supply and a local desalination proposal. Boyer said village leaders in Fagaʻalu oppose placing a desalination plant there because of fears about harmful byproducts and potential impacts on the nearby coral reef and clam farm; he said the ASPA water division is seeking alternative locations because ASEPA and village approval appear unlikely.

On a related property dispute, a senator told the committee he holds two wells on his property that were under a prior agreement and said ASPA has sought to drill additional wells there; he said the well can produce "almost 1 million gallon a day" and argued the property owner should receive a share of revenues. Boyer said he was not familiar with the senator’s specific agreement and pledged to review the case with the board and report back to the Senate.

Boyer said the board has met several times recently and is conducting interviews for a new executive director; he also acknowledged staff pay and morale as a potential constraint on operations and urged the board to consider compensation as part of long-term stability.