The government has justified its decision to delay the rollout of proposed electricity tariffs, emphasizing a focus on the public’s best interests. Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel, stated that the postponement aims to ensure that the tariffs implemented are fair, transparent, and based on solid evidence.
According to Immanuel, this additional time will facilitate a more thorough technical review and wider community engagement. It will help provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts on households and businesses across the nation. He underlined that decisions regarding tariffs are rooted in the statutory independence of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), affirming that the government’s role is to enhance transparency and foster public confidence in the process.
Immanuel firmly dismissed suggestions of political interference, asserting that Cabinet members were fully briefed and that the decision was well-planned rather than a reaction to immediate pressures. He cautioned against undermining critical institutions for political benefit, reinforcing the FCCC’s independence.
In addressing long-term energy issues, Immanuel pointed out the challenges stemming from the sale of 44 percent of Energy Fiji Limited shares while highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring affordability, expanding renewable energy capacity, and securing energy resources.
The Minister called on the Opposition and other stakeholders to participate in the upcoming consultation and provide evidence-based feedback. He reiterated that maintaining public trust, transparency, and consumer protection are core components of the government’s strategy.
The FCCC first announced the potential tariff increases on December 19 of the previous year, predicting an average uptick of 4.5 percent for residential customers utilizing between 101 to over 300 kilowatt-hours. For commercial customers, the average increase is anticipated to be about 34.7 percent across four usage tiers. These adjustments are designed to facilitate Energy Fiji Limited’s ambitious $1.57 billion investment plan over the following four years. The 21-day public consultation regarding these tariff increases is set to commence tomorrow.