Opposition MP Premila Kumar has voiced strong criticism against the recent electricity tariff increase proposed by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), stating that the utility is not in distress and that the hike highlights significant failures in governance, regulation, and ministerial oversight. Kumar’s concerns were articulated in a statement where she slammed the approval granted by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), emphasizing that it was made without adhering to the necessary public consultation processes mandated by law.
Kumar pointed out that the decision to suspend the tariff increase came only after significant public backlash, rather than from effective regulatory measures. She expressed astonishment that the FCCC would approve a rise in tariffs for a profitable monopoly without requiring a full disclosure of EFL’s financial status, cost structures, and long-term investment strategies.
“EFL is not a distressed utility, yet consumers are being asked to pre-finance future projects— including renewable energy ventures—through higher electricity bills,” Kumar remarked. She deemed this approach “unfair and unacceptable,” asserting that the financial burden should not rest on already struggling households.
Further underlining the government’s responsibility, which is the majority shareholder in EFL, Kumar stated that accountability must not be overlooked. She pointed out that the Minister’s role in appointing the Board reflects systemic failures in governance as much as any regulatory deficiencies.
While Kumar supports Fiji’s transition to renewable energy, she cautioned that this should not become an unchecked process. She raised doubts about whether alternative energy solutions, such as rooftop solar, decentralized generation, and independent power producers, were properly evaluated before the decision to increase tariffs was made.
Critically assessing the public engagement process, Kumar argued that discussions held after the approval do not constitute genuine consultation. “Consultation after the fact is not consultation — it is justification,” she stated, emphasizing that low attendance rates at meetings should not be interpreted as agreement but rather as evidence of inadequate outreach and transparency.
Kumar concluded that without addressing underlying governance issues, regulatory shortcomings, and accountability concerns, any proposed electricity tariff increase in Fiji remains unjustifiable and should not be imposed on consumers.
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