Voltage & Plug Type
The FSM uses a 110-volt power system and dual flat pin outlets (grounded or ungrounded) like the United States and Japan. No transformers or plug adapters are available on the island, so visitors coming from anywhere other than the U.S. and Japan are advised to bring their own.
Power Service
Pohnpei’s electricity comes from the Pohnpei Utility Company (PUC), a strange public-private entity that has proven itself to be wholly inept at providing reliable power to the island’s residents. Though there has been talk of research into alternative sources of power, currently 100% of the electricity produced by PUC comes from diesel-burning generators, which regularly break down.
Cash Power
All electricity on the island is provided on a pre-paid basis through something called Cash Power. Residents and business owners purchase units of power from PUC, which then credits their meters. If you end up staying in a house, rather than a hotel room, you’ll have to buy your own cash power. Cash power can be purchased at the PUC cash power drive-thru located across from the road from Lit Palm (bring your meter number or know the name under which the meter is registered). Cash power can also be purchased online through PUC’s website (click here to go straight to the online payment page). You can also buy cash power cards in $5 denominations at most stores around Kolonia. PRD Drive-Thru on Main Street is a good place to go for late-night purchases.