Overview
Col (Ret'd) Siamelie Latu brings more than two decades of senior public service to his role at the Tonga Energy Commission, spanning the military, diplomacy and, since 2022, energy regulation. Under his leadership the Commission has focused on protecting consumers, maintaining the safety and reliability of Tonga's power systems, promoting fair and efficient electricity pricing, and supporting the Kingdom's transition to renewable energy.
Military & Public Service Career
Before entering the energy sector, Col (Ret'd) Latu was Deputy Commander and Joint Operation Commander of His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) of the Kingdom of Tonga. He subsequently served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for seven years, including as Acting Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, a role he held until his resignation in 2017.
Diplomatic Service — Ambassador to China
Col (Ret'd) Latu served as Tonga's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China from 2010 to 2015, taking up the post on 21 January 2011 as the third Tongan Ambassador to China. He remains active in Tonga-China relations today as Secretary-General of the Tonga-China Friendship Association.
Leading the Tonga Energy Commission
Since taking up the CEO role in August 2022, Col (Ret'd) Latu has overseen the Commission's expanding mandate under the Energy Act 2021, including regular tariff reviews of Tonga Power Limited. Announcing a tariff reduction driven by falling diesel prices, he said the decrease was “welcome relief for families and businesses after a hard few months.” He has also flagged stronger consumer protections for the Commission's next contract review with Tonga Power, including “penalties for Tonga Power Limited when blackouts cause damage to customer property.”
Reappointment, January 2026
In January 2026 the Commission confirmed Col (Ret'd) Latu's reappointment as CEO for a further three-year term, following a comprehensive and open recruitment process. On his reappointment, he said:
"I am grateful for the continued confidence shown by the Commission and the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC. The Commission has an important responsibility to support safe, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for Tonga. I look forward to continuing this work with Commissioners, staff, Government, and stakeholders over the coming term."
Regional Leadership — OPERA
Alongside his TEC role, Col (Ret'd) Latu served for three years as Chair of the Office of the Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA), a regional body strengthening cooperation and regulatory capacity among Pacific Island energy regulators. During his chairmanship, OPERA's full membership grew from six to thirteen Pacific Island countries.
Education
Col (Ret'd) Latu holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies from the University of New England, Australia, and a Master of Defence Studies from the University of Canberra, awarded through the Australian Army Command and Staff College. He is also a graduate of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Current Roles
Col (Ret'd) Siamelie Latu is Chief Executive Officer of the Tonga Energy Commission and Secretary-General of the Tonga-China Friendship Association.
Sources: Matangi Tonga, Talanoa 'o Tonga, and the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE). Update this page from the WordPress editor as new information becomes available.