Te Aponga Uira O Tumu-Te-Varovaro (TAU) is a Cook Islands electricity generator, distributor and retailer which provides electricity to the island of Rarotonga. It is responsible for 90% of the Cook Islands' electricity generation. It is a state-owned enterprise, wholly owned by the Cook Islands Government through the Cook Islands Investment Corporation.
Te Aponga Uira was established by the Te Aponga Uira O Tumu-Te-Varovaro Act 1991. Structured as a perpetual body corporate, it has the statutory objectives of "provid[ing] energy to all consumers in a reliable and economical manner" while operating in "an efficient and profitable manner having due regard to the interests of the community".Te Aponga Uira O Tumu-Te-Varovaro Act 1991, section 14. Upon its creation it took over the assets and liabilities of the Cook Islands' Department of Electric Power Supply.Te Aponga Uira O Tumu-Te-Varovaro Act 1991, section 30. Originally responsible to the Minister of Energy and with statutory advice functions, control was transferred in 1999 to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation, and a social responsibility requirement was imposed.Te Aponga Uira O Tumu-Te-Varovaro Amendment Act 1999 It must also conform to government policy directives, such as the Cook Islands Renewable Electricity Chart.
The company operates two power stations on Rarotonga: Name Type Location Capacity (kW) Derated Capacity (kW) Annual generation (average TWh) Commissioned Notes Avatiu Diesel Avatiu 12160 9760 In 2013 Te Mana O Te Ra Solar PV Avarua 960 960 2014
The company had a net metering policy in place since November 2009 to encourage the installation of distributed solar generation, but reversed its policy in 2015 over concerns about grid stability.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the company provided free electricity to its domestic users and discounted electricity to businesses.
See also Energy in the Cook Islands
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