Niue, which nine months ago was brought to a stand still after a fire destroyed much of its power plant, is facing more electricity problems.
Businesses and residents are being left without power for several hours a day because one of the two generators on the island has broken down.
The general manager of Niue Power, Speedo Hetutu, says at peak times the one working diesel generator cannot cope with demand.
"If one is down the remaining engine cannot cope with the nation's load, and I have no options but to isolate areas in order for that remaining engine to operate normally."
Mr Hetutu says the optimum number of generators for the island is four.
He says they will not be able to get replacement parts until the flight from Auckland arrives on Friday.