Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) has announced that its review of electricity tariffs in Fiji is designed to be fair, transparent, and in line with the country’s National Energy Policy. EFL emphasizes that electricity must be recognized as a vital service that supports daily life, economic development, and national progress.
In its detailed statement, EFL noted that decisions regarding electricity pricing are made with considerable care, prioritizing fairness and the long-term interests of the nation. The recent consultations centered around various aspects of how electricity tariffs are established, including their fairness and affordability, the maintenance of significant national assets like the Monasavu and Nadarivatu hydropower stations, and the infrastructure investments necessary to deliver electricity effectively to homes and businesses across Fiji.
Importantly, EFL announced that more than 52 percent of domestic customers—approximately 99,000 households—will not experience any increase in their electricity bills. These households typically use lower amounts of electricity and are therefore shielded by the current tariff structure. For those whose bills are higher, EFL provided a breakdown of the impacts: bills of $38.25 or less will see no change, a bill of $50 will increase by $0.35, a $100 bill will rise by $1.85, $150 by $4.41, and $200 by $7.41. Moreover, small and medium enterprises are expected to see an approximate increase of three cents per unit.
EFL maintained that the role of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is to remain independent and impartial in determining tariffs. The tariffs are based on a regulated methodology that relies on verified financial and technical data, ensuring that only reasonable and necessary costs are passed on to consumers, while also allowing EFL to maintain and invest in crucial infrastructure.
The company highlighted the extensive public consultation carried out by FCCC in 2023, which collected insights from domestic households, small and medium enterprises, and larger commercial and industrial customers. EFL believes that it is fair for customers who consume more electricity to contribute proportionately more to the maintenance and expansion of the energy system.
EFL also clarified that about one percent of customers account for roughly 31 percent of the total electricity consumption, indicating that serving these high-demand customers necessitates significant investment in power generation facilities, extensive transmission networks, and skilled personnel.
EFL affirmed that its tariff decisions strike a balance between affordability and sustainability, protecting vulnerable households while also fostering economic growth and paving the way for a cleaner, more reliable energy system in Fiji. With collective support from customers, regulators, the government, and development partners, EFL sees a hopeful energy future for Fiji that aligns with the National Energy Policy.
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