The Tonga Energy Commission has confirmed the reappointment of Col (Retd) Siamelie Latu as its Chief Executive Officer for a further three-year term, beginning 13 January 2026.
The reappointment followed a comprehensive and open recruitment process to identify the most suitable candidate for the role, and has been approved by the Prime Minister, Hon Lord Fakafanua, under the Energy Act 2021, in his capacity as Minister responsible for energy and climate-related portfolios.
Col Latu has led the Commission since August 2022, a period marked by significant regulatory change following the introduction of the Energy Act. During his tenure, the Commission has focused on consumer protection, electricity safety and reliability, and the regulation of power pricing, while supporting Tonga’s transition towards renewable energy.
Alongside his role in Tonga, Col Latu has served for three years as chair of the Office of Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA). Under his leadership, the alliance expanded its full membership from six to 13 Pacific Island countries, strengthening regional cooperation and regulatory capacity in the energy sector.
The reappointment reflects confidence in Col Latu’s leadership as the Commission prepares for the next electricity tariff review of Tonga Power Limited and works to extend its regulatory oversight beyond electricity to the wider energy sector.