The Consumer Council has expressed significant concerns regarding the recent hike in electricity tariffs, emphasizing that these increased costs may soon lead to higher prices for essential goods and services for consumers. Chief Executive Seema Shandil highlighted that electricity serves as a crucial expense for nearly all businesses, meaning that any rise in costs will likely pressure the prices of essential items such as food, transportation, accommodation, and basic services.
In her statements, Shandil underscored the necessity for early and meaningful consultations between essential service providers and consumers, as well as the business community. She pointed out that without adequate communication and preparation, both households and businesses may find themselves disadvantaged by the financial impacts of these changes.
Shandil stated, “As electricity costs rise for businesses, there is a very real risk that these increases will be passed directly on to consumers.” Given the existing financial strain from high cost-of-living pressures, she noted that any additional increases would further burden household budgets. Consequently, fostering dialogue and collaboration among service providers, regulators, and businesses is crucial at this pivotal stage.
The Council advocates for open discussions to manage price adjustments responsibly. They maintain that hikes in electricity costs should not serve as a rationale for unjustified price increases across the board. Restraint and diligent monitoring are essential in safeguarding consumers in the forthcoming months.
Additionally, the Consumer Council has called for accountability from Energy Fiji Limited, which attributed the tariff increases to necessary capital expenditure and investments in infrastructure. With increased revenue now being generated, consumers have the right to expect that these funds will lead to tangible improvements in areas such as renewable energy investments, infrastructure enhancements, and system reliability, rather than merely boosting profits.
Transparency is another critical point raised by Shandil, who urged for clear reporting on the allocation of revenue from the tariff increases and regular updates on capital projects. Consumers deserve to see measurable benefits from the higher charges they encounter.
Lastly, the Council has appealed to all stakeholders—including the government, regulators, and businesses—to closely monitor pricing trends in the upcoming months, underscoring the importance of collective vigilance during these economically challenging times.
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