The government has recently defended its decision to postpone the rollout of proposed electricity tariffs. Esrom Immanuel, the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, stated that this action is centered around the needs of the people and aims to ensure that tariffs are fair, transparent, and based on solid evidence.
According to Immanuel, the delay will provide an opportunity for a more comprehensive technical review and greater engagement with the community, allowing for a clearer understanding of how the changes will affect households and businesses across the nation. He emphasized that decisions regarding tariffs are governed by the statutory independence of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), underscoring the government’s objective to enhance transparency and public trust.
In addressing concerns regarding political interference, Immanuel assured that the Cabinet was fully informed and that this decision was pre-planned rather than a response to immediate pressures. He reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the FCCC’s independence and cautioned against undermining vital institutions for political advantage.
The Minister outlined that the government is addressing long-term issues in the energy sector, especially in the wake of the prior sale of 44 percent of shares in Energy Fiji Limited. Efforts are being made to focus on affordability, renewable energy capacity, and overall energy security.
He has invited the Opposition and other stakeholders to participate in the upcoming consultation, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based input. Immanuel reiterated that the principles of public trust, transparency, and consumer protection remain central to the government’s strategy.
The FCCC previously announced proposed tariff increases on December 19, 2022, predicting an average rise of 4.5 percent for residential customers using between 101 to over 300 kilowatt-hours. For commercial customers, the average increase is expected to be around 34.7 percent across four usage categories. These higher tariffs are aimed at financing Energy Fiji Limited’s ambitious $1.57 billion investment program planned for the next four years. The public consultation on the tariff increase is set to begin tomorrow, presenting an important opportunity for community feedback and participation.
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