Reappointment of Chief Executive Officer – Tonga Energy Commission
The Tonga Energy Commission has confirmed the reappointment of Col (Ret’d) Siamelie Latu as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a further three-year term, commencing 13 January 2026.
Col. Latu’s reappointment follows a comprehensive and open recruitment process undertaken by the Commission to find the best candidate. The Commission’s selection of Col. Latu has been approved by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Hon. Lord Fakafanua in accordance with the Energy Act 2021 in his capacity as Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC).
Col. Latu has served as the Commission’s CEO since August 2022 during a period of institutional and regulatory transition under the Energy Act 2021. During this time, he has led the Commission’s work in carrying out its core responsibilities of protecting consumers, maintaining the safety and reliability of the power systems, and promoting fair and efficient electricity pricing, while also supporting Tonga’s renewable energy transition.
In addition to his CEO role since 2022, Col. Latu concurrently served for three years as Chair of the Office of the Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA). During his tenure, OPERA’s full membership expanded from six to thirteen Pacific Island countries, strengthening regional cooperation and energy sector regulatory capacity across the Pacific region.
Col. Latu’s reappointment reflects the Commission and the Government confidence in his leadership and regulatory experience as it begins the next electricity tariff review of Tonga Power Limited and progresses the expansion of its mandate beyond electricity to the regulation of the broader energy sector as envisaged in the Energy Act.
Col. Latu said he was honoured to continue in the role.
“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.”
The Tonga Energy Commission is an independent statutory body established under the Energy Act 2021 and is responsible for regulating Tonga’s energy sector in the interests of consumers, industry and the Government.
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