Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) CEO Fatiaki Gibson has reaffirmed that the process of revising electricity tariffs has been conducted with full transparency. Speaking in Nadi, Gibson highlighted that the methodology used in their submissions to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is legally mandated and that a review of electricity tariffs occurs every four years.
“It began in 2019, and a review should have taken place in 2023,” Gibson noted. However, the FCCC rejected the proposal in February 2024, requesting EFL to resubmit. Gibson explained that it took EFL a full year to prepare a new submission, ensuring it adequately considers the needs of vulnerable populations.
“Utilizing the legislated allowable revenue methodology, our approach is consistent with international practices adopted by regulatory bodies for utilities like EFL,” he asserted. This method is benchmarked against global standards and is anchored in the Electricity Act of 2017.
According to Gibson, FCCC CEO Senikavika Jiuta also ensured transparency in her media announcements regarding the revised tariffs for 2025. “We have operated strictly within the law,” he emphasized, asserting that all actions under the FCCC’s scrutiny have adhered to legal standards. The lengthy delay influenced the timeline for announcement preparation and public awareness, which has now been efficiently coordinated with the FCCC’s assistance.
The revised tariffs have specifically prioritized Fiji’s vulnerable communities. Gibson, along with his team, recently engaged in awareness programs in Nadi, Sigatoka, and Ba to support the FCCC in disseminating information about the 2025 tariff revisions.
“We have been very cautious throughout this process to ensure the protection of our vulnerable customers, including small and medium enterprises,” Gibson said. He highlighted that the tariff structure is designed to be considerate of these customer categories.
During the community engagement sessions, EFL aimed to clarify how the new tariff adjustments would affect consumers, especially domestic customers. Gibson noted that providing specific examples of how the changes would impact electricity bills helps consumers better understand the financial implications. For example, a bill of $140 would see an increase of $3.89, bringing the new total to $143.89, making the changes tangible for customers.
Through these efforts, Energy Fiji Ltd seeks to foster understanding and provide clarity on the impact of tariff revisions, reinforcing its commitment to supporting its most vulnerable customers while maintaining transparency in its operations.
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