Joel Abraham has called for an urgent renewal of public discourse on electricity pricing following the unexpected reversal of his appointment as Chair of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC). Appointed on Christmas Eve, his tenure was cut short when the Finance Minister reinstated Cecil Browne to the position just a day later.
Abraham, who has previously held the role of Chief Executive at the FCCC, had aimed to critically assess the commission’s recent decision to increase electricity tariffs beginning in the New Year. He emphasized that the issue of electricity pricing goes beyond personal stakes and touches every household, business, and employee across Fiji.
In his statement, Abraham highlighted the necessity of independent regulation, transparency, and accountability in this discussion. He urged that the focus should be on whether the tariff increases are fair, justified, and sustainable for the community. Despite the abrupt end to his leadership, Abraham reaffirmed his dedication to the people of Fiji, indicating that further updates regarding Electricity Fiji Limited tariffs are forthcoming.
This situation underscores the important dialogue surrounding utility pricing in Fiji, a matter of significant importance to the well-being of its citizens. As Fiji navigates this landscape, the demand for transparency and fairness in regulatory practices remains crucial, fostering hope for a more equitable future in electricity pricing.