The National Federation Party (NFP) has voiced its strong disapproval of a proposed increase in electricity tariffs, arguing that there is no valid reason to raise costs for consumers across residential, commercial, or industrial sectors. NFP President Parmod Chand has officially communicated the party’s stance to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), urging both the FCCC and Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) to retract the proposal for the good of the nation.
Chand asserted, “There is no need whatsoever to increase electricity tariffs,” emphasizing that withdrawing the proposal is crucial to alleviate the uncertainty and controversy surrounding its announcement, which many believe was lacking in transparency. Public criticism has surged since EFL’s submission for the tariff increase in May 2025 was approved by the FCCC, which Chand characterized as “catastrophic” due to the absence of adequate public consultation during the process.
He highlighted that even the public consultations currently undertaken by FCCC have been met with skepticism, with accusations of being insincere. Moreover, Chand dismissed EFL’s claim that 99,000 residential consumers would remain unaffected by the proposed increase, citing that it is a flawed argument. He pointed out that significant increases in tariffs for commercial customers would likely lead to escalated prices on goods and services as businesses strive to recoup higher costs, ultimately burdening consumers.
Chand warned that the proposed tariff hike could jeopardize the progress made in controlling inflation, which has been at notably low levels in 2025. “The primary objective must always be to protect Fijians from unfair tariff hikes and to safeguard our business community while encouraging investment,” he added.
Acknowledging the necessity for investments in energy security and sustainability, Chand stressed that these considerations must be balanced with the social and economic repercussions. Notably, he commended the coalition government for implementing various cost-of-living initiatives over the past three budgets, including electricity subsidies aimed at low-income households utilizing 100 kilowatt-hours or less each month.
Chand concluded by urging EFL and the FCCC to thoughtfully evaluate the potential impact of the proposed changes on households and the broader economy, emphasizing that the proposal should be retracted in the interest of the nation. This call to action highlights a commitment to not only protecting Fijian consumers but also ensuring the resilience of the economic landscape in the face of energy policy challenges.