A businessman from Nadi has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) proposed tariff increase on everyday households, urging the government to intervene to protect consumers. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance, acknowledging that while businesses recognize the necessity for EFL to sustain its financial viability, any increments in tariffs must be reasonable and subjected to appropriate oversight.
Abdullah highlighted the troubling implications of EFL reportedly generating multi-million-dollar profits, questioning the justification behind the magnitude of the proposed hike. He pointed out that electricity, much like essential grocery items, should have price controls in place, noting the burden rising costs place on consumers. Unlike businesses that can pass on higher energy costs to their clients, residential consumers have limited options when faced with increased tariffs.
He indicated his conditional support for any tariff increase, stipulating that it must be restrained and not impose an undue burden on household budgets.
In conjunction with these remarks, Senikavika Jiuta, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, has reassured the public that the tariff review process was executed meticulously and with a strong emphasis on fairness, aiming to reduce the impact on vulnerable Fijians. Jiuta explained that this assessment builds upon comprehensive tariff reviews conducted in 2019 and 2023, which analyzed EFL’s performance, future investment commitments, cost trends, and the necessary infrastructure improvements needed to ensure the resilience of Fiji’s electricity system.
As concerns for consumer protection grow, the dialogues between the community and regulatory bodies suggest a collaborative approach towards keeping energy prices in check while sustaining essential services.
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