Joel Abraham has emphasized the need for renewed public discourse on electricity pricing following the abrupt reversal of his appointment as Chair of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC). His appointment, made on Christmas Eve, was short-lived, with the Finance Minister announcing Cecil Browne’s reinstatement to the position just a day later.
Abraham, who previously served as the Chief Executive of the FCCC, had intentions to scrutinize the commission’s recent decision to raise electricity tariffs starting in the New Year. He stated that the topic of electricity pricing transcends personal matters, affecting every household, business, and worker across Fiji.
In his remarks, Abraham underscored the significance of independent regulation, transparency, and accountability. He called for the conversation to center on whether the tariff decisions made are fair, justified, and sustainable for the community. Despite the challenges posed by his sudden exit, Abraham expressed his commitment to the people of Fiji, assuring that additional statements regarding Electricity Fiji Limited tariffs will be forthcoming.
This situation highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding utility pricing in Fiji, a matter critical to the welfare of its citizens. As the nation moves forward, the call for transparency and fairness in regulatory practices remains paramount.