Kili Island, Marshall Islands – A big step forward was taken for Kili Island’s power service as MEC finished checking the island’s power equipment this month. This happened after the RMI Government, Kili-Bikini-Ejit (KBE) Local Government, and MEC signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 27, 2025. While this MOU is not legally binding, it shows the commitment of all parties to work toward transferring power services from KBE to MEC.
On March 8, 2025, MEC sent a team of experts to Kili Island. The team included engineers, power plant workers, line workers, and mapping specialists. Mayor Tommy Jibok and KBE officials joined them during the visit.
The team spent the day looking at everything related to power on the island. Following their detailed assessment checklist, they examined:
- Power Plant:
- Building condition (inside and outside)
- Control room equipment and air conditioning
- Engine room details and ventilation
- Fuel tanks (indoor and outdoor)
- Oil storage and disposal systems
- Distribution System:
- Primary and secondary poles
- Power lines (aluminum, copper, and splices)
- Transformers
- Protection systems
- Meters and sockets
- Spare equipment
“We needed to see everything firsthand to understand what we’re working with,” said MEC’s Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and Systems Planning & Engineering Director, Steve Wakefield. “We carefully examined the power plant, generators, power poles and lines, transformers, fueling system, meters, and all related infrastructure. This detailed assessment gives us a complete picture of Kili’s current power situation.”
MEC Already Taking Action on Critical Infrastructure
Based on preliminary findings from the assessment, MEC has already begun taking action to address urgent safety concerns. The company is currently in the process of finalizing an order of new fuel storage tanks for Kili Island. This proactive step was deemed necessary after the assessment revealed that the existing tanks are in extremely poor condition and considered unsafe for storing fuel.
“The condition of the current fuel storage infrastructure presents an immediate safety risk that we cannot ignore,” Wakefield explained. “MEC is ordering these tanks now due to the long lead time required to have them delivered to Kili. This proactive measure will optimize our timeline to replace the deteriorated tanks once the transfer is finalized.”
This early intervention demonstrates MEC’s commitment to improving the island’s power infrastructure and highlights the urgency of some of the needed upgrades.
MEC’s Chief Technical Officer Working on Report
The CTO is now putting together a detailed report from the team’s findings. This report will be ready to present to the MEC CEO and Board of Directors sometime next month. The report will help guide the next steps in the transfer process.
The visit was just the first step in the transfer of power services on Kili to MEC. Here’s what needs to happen next:
- Write up final transfer agreement based on the February 2025 MOU and site assessment
- Get written approvals from RMI Cabinet, MEC Board, and KBE Government to execute the legally-binding transfer agreement
- Set dates for when MEC will take over the power system
MEC is engaging a local lawyer to draft the legal papers for the transfer.
Better Power Coming for Kili Residents
When MEC takes over, people on Kili Island should get more reliable power. MEC has the tools, knowledge, expertise and resources to fix problems that have affected Kili’s power for years.
“Our goal is to give Kili the same quality power service that Jaluit and Wotje get from MEC,” said MEC’s CEO, Jack Chong-Gum.
Everyone involved has promised to work together to make the change smooth with as few power outages as possible.
Progress updates on the Kili power transfer project will be communicated regularly through MEC’s official website and featured in the company’s monthly e-newsletter, MERAM EO AM. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to subscribe to these channels to receive timely information as key milestones are achieved.
