The Tonga Energy Commission regulates Tonga's energy sector under the Energy Act 2021 — the Kingdom's first comprehensive energy law. This page summarises the regulatory framework the Commission administers: the Act itself, how electricity tariffs are set, licensing and compliance requirements, and where to find our published reports.
Regulations
2021
Energy Act enacted 26 Aug 2021, Royal Assent 22 Nov 2021
70%
Renewable energy target by 2030
4
Regulated domains: electricity, petroleum, gas & renewables
The Law
The Energy Act 2021
The Legislative Assembly enacted the Energy Act 2021 on 26 August 2021, and it received Royal Assent from His Majesty King Tupou VI on 22 November 2021. It is Tonga's first comprehensive legal framework for the energy sector, replacing the narrower Electricity Act 2007 and extending regulation beyond electricity to petroleum, gas and renewable energy.
The Act establishes the Tonga Energy Commission as an independent statutory regulator, sets out clear policy oversight roles for the Ministry responsible for energy, and provides the legal basis for licensing, tariff regulation, safety standards and enforcement across the sector.
Governance: the Commission consists of a Chairperson and four Members, appointed by Cabinet on the basis of relevant knowledge or experience in industry, commerce, economics, law, accountancy, public administration or consumer affairs. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the Commission's day-to-day administration.
- Ensure a safe, continuous and uninterrupted electricity supply
- Keep energy costs as low as reasonably possible for consumers
- License electricians and enforce electrical safety standards
- Regulate petroleum and gas importation, storage and distribution
- Set and review electricity tariffs, including consumer discount schemes
- Support Tonga's transition to renewable energy
- Enforce codes of practice and efficiency standards on licensees
- Represent Tonga regionally through OPERA
Legislative Framework
The Act & Related Legislation
The Commission's powers come from a principal Act, supported by related and subsidiary legislation covering electricity, petroleum and energy efficiency.
Principal Act
- Energy Act 2021 (No. 2021‑0201) — establishes the Tonga Energy Commission and its regulatory mandate over electricity, petroleum, gas and renewable energy.
Related & Subsidiary Legislation
The following related Acts, regulations and by-laws — administered alongside the Energy Act 2021 — are listed on the Attorney General's Office legislation register:
- Electricity Act 2007 (2007‑0011)
- Renewable Energy Act 2008 (2008‑0010)
- Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Labelling Regulations 2025 (2025‑0006)
- Electrical Wiring By-Laws (1985‑2101)
- Electrical Contractor By-Laws (1985‑2102)
- Electric Power Board (Submarine Cables) By-Laws (1979‑2101)
- Petroleum Act 1959 (1959‑0006) and Petroleum Mining Act 1969 (1969‑0003)
- Petroleum Regulations 1960 (1960‑0001) and Petroleum Mining Regulations 1985 (1985‑0107)
Source: Attorney General's Office of Tonga, legislation register (ago.gov.to). Some by-laws predate the Energy Act 2021 and use earlier agency names; confirm current status with the Commission or the Attorney General's Office before relying on them for legal purposes.
Pricing
Electricity Tariffs
The Commission reviews and approves the electricity tariff charged by Tonga Power Limited, balancing the cost of supply against affordability for households and businesses. The tariff is generally reviewed on a quarterly basis to reflect movements in diesel fuel prices, and annually for inflation.
Where fuel prices fall, the Commission passes the saving through to consumers — for example, a tariff reduction was approved after diesel prices declined, which the Commission's CEO described as "welcome relief for families and businesses." The Commission also oversees consumer protection measures such as the Government Lifeline Tariff Discount Scheme, which reduces the cost of the first block of electricity used by residential customers.
Contract reviews with Tonga Power Limited also address service standards — including, in the Commission's current review, penalties for the operator when blackouts cause damage to customer property.
Compliance
Licensing & Compliance
Electrician Licensing
The Commission licenses electricians operating in Tonga and sets the standards they must meet to protect public safety.
Operator Compliance
Licensed operators, including Tonga Power Limited, must meet efficiency, safety and service-quality standards set by the Commission.
Enforcement
The Commission investigates non-compliance and can apply penalties under the Energy Act 2021 to protect consumers and the wider public.
Applying for an electrician's licence, or reporting a compliance concern? Contact the Commission.
Transparency
Publications & Reports
The Commission publishes an Annual Report and periodic regulatory decisions. Documents will be listed here as they are published — check back regularly, or contact the Commission directly for a specific report.
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Annual Report
Coming soon📄
Tariff Decisions
Coming soon📄
Consultation Papers
Coming soonAdd PDF reports here via the WordPress Media Library and link to them from this page as they become available.
Have an unresolved issue with your energy service?
If you've already contacted your provider and the issue remains unresolved, lodge a formal complaint with the Commission.
Submit a Complaint