October 1, 2026
Pohnpei—The Pohnpei Utilities Corporation says three new generators are now operating and supporting Pohnpei’s island-wide power system, following months of widespread outages during implementation of the World Bank-funded project.
In a public advisory posted on Facebook under the heading “Power Crisis Recovery,” PUC said it had completed installation and commissioning of the three generators. Each has a capacity of 2.5 megawatts, providing a combined generation capacity of 7.5 megawatts.
The announcement offers encouraging news for residents and businesses that have endured repeated disruptions to electricity service. Although the advisory says all three units are in service, it does not explicitly announce an end to outages or address whether further interruptions will be necessary.
PUC also announced that an additional, larger generator had arrived at the Nanpohnmal Power Plant. The fourth unit has a capacity of 3.5 megawatts but is awaiting delivery of its remaining major components, which the advisory said were scheduled to arrive on October 2, 2026.
The advisory does not identify the funding source for the fourth generator, its purchase and installation costs, or the expected date it will begin supplying electricity. It also does not explain whether the additional unit is part of the World Bank-funded project or a separate purchase.
Delivery of the remaining components will precede installation, testing, and commissioning. PUC provided no timetable for completing those steps.
According to the advisory, Pohnpei’s current peak electricity demand is approximately seven megawatts. The combined rated capacity of the three operating generators therefore exceeds that figure by about half a megawatt.
Once the fourth generator is installed, tested, and commissioned, the four new units will have a combined generation capacity of approximately 11 megawatts, PUC said. That would place their combined rated capacity about four megawatts above the peak demand reported in the advisory.
PUC said the additional generator would strengthen its ability to meet peak demand, provide reserve capacity, and improve the reliability and stability of Pohnpei’s power system.
The distinction between equipment arriving and becoming operational remains significant. While PUC reports that the three smaller generators have completed commissioning and entered service, the fourth unit still requires components and further work before it can contribute to electricity supply.
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