The Fijian government is actively collaborating with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) as it deliberates on Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) proposed tariff adjustments. Minister for Finance, Commerce, and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel, confirmed that ongoing discussions are a vital part of advancing this process.
The FCCC recently reported that 51 percent of the 975 submissions received during its 21-day electricity tariff review expressed support for a tariff adjustment. A proposed adjustment of 24.2 percent was suggested, a significantly lower figure than EFL’s initial request of 37 percent. However, a final decision on this proposal has been postponed to allow for further consultations.
In light of this, Minister Immanuel indicated that additional data and statistics supporting these figures will be shared if requested, demonstrating a commitment to transparency in the process. His positive response to the situation underscored his optimism about the outcomes of these consultations. “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,” he stated.
Moreover, the Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, emphasized the government’s flexibility in supporting EFL’s capital development plans, which include upgrades to various facilities such as transmission, generation, and distribution systems. Continuous discussions between the Ministry of Finance and EFL are expected to facilitate these developments.
The FCCC has extended its deadline for a final decision to April 30th, providing EFL with the necessary time to explore financing options and potential support measures from the government. This approach reflects a proactive stance from the government, aiming to balance consumer interests with the operational needs of Energy Fiji Limited.