The Fijian government is currently engaged in discussions with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) regarding proposed tariff adjustments from Energy Fiji Limited (EFL). Minister for Finance, Commerce, and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel, confirmed that these ongoing dialogues are crucial for the progress of this matter.
The FCCC recently announced that out of the 975 submissions received during its 21-day review of electricity tariffs, 51 percent were in favor of a tariff adjustment. A revised adjustment of 24.2 percent has been put forth, which is substantially lower than EFL’s original request for a 37 percent increase. However, a final verdict on this adjustment has been deferred to allow for further discussions.
Minister Immanuel has assured that additional data and statistics supporting the proposed figures will be provided upon request, highlighting the government’s dedication to transparency throughout this process. He expressed optimism about the eventual outcomes of these consultations, noting, “I was out of the country, but I saw it, and probably starting this week, we will collaborate more with them on how we go about putting that into action.”
In addition, the Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, stressed the government’s readiness to support EFL’s capital development initiatives, which include upgrading transmission, generation, and distribution facilities. Continuous communication between the Ministry of Finance and EFL is anticipated to aid in these developments.
The FCCC has extended its deadline for reaching a final decision to April 30th. This extension allows EFL the necessary time to consider financing options and potential government support measures. This proactive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to balancing consumer needs with the operational requirements of Energy Fiji Limited, fostering an environment for collaborative growth and development in the energy sector.