The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) is calling on businesses throughout the nation to engage in upcoming public consultations about the proposed hike in electricity tariffs and to provide written feedback to regulators. The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is scheduled to hold consultations from January 6 to January 15, 2026, across all divisions.
Edward Bernard, Chief Executive Officer of FCEF, highlighted that many companies have expressed concerns regarding the extent of the proposed tariff increases. “We have received numerous concerns from businesses regarding the impact of this substantial increase. FCEF will continue to advocate for a lower rate of adjustment,” he stated.
Bernard commended the suspension of the tariff implementation as a positive development and acknowledged the effort made by the FCCC in this regard. He emphasized the importance of businesses voicing their opinions by attending the public consultations and submitting written feedback.
He warned that the commercial tariff hike could drastically impact the business landscape in Fiji. “The 34.7% average increase for commercial users will significantly elevate the costs of doing business in Fiji, with potential repercussions for business expansion, investment choices, and overall competitiveness,” he added.
Bernard underlined that the effects would ripple across various sectors, business sizes, ownership types, and regions, potentially undermining national economic goals, such as increasing the contribution of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to 22% and boosting investment to 20% of GDP by 2030.
In response to the concerns raised, the FCEF is in the process of preparing a consolidated submission and plans to request a dedicated meeting with the FCCC to convey the private sector’s perspective. This proactive approach aims to foster dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the importance of collective engagement in shaping policies that affect the business community in Fiji.