Electricity demand in Fiji surged by 10 percent during the first seven months of this year, a significant increase compared to the usual annual growth of three to four percent, according to Hasmukh Patel, the CEO of Electricity Fiji Ltd. Speaking at the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum in Suva, Patel noted that this spike in demand indicates that Fiji’s economic activities are on the rise, both commercially and domestically.
Patel stated that the energy produced in 2023 reached 1,120 million units, while the forecast for energy production by 2036 is projected to be 1,600 million units. He emphasized that the recent figures show a marked increase: “If you compare the energy production from January to July 2023 with the same period in 2024, there has been a 10 percent increase rather than the typical 4 percent.”
He expressed optimism about Fiji’s development, highlighting the ongoing growth in electricity demand over the past seven months. Since its establishment in 1966, Electricity Fiji Ltd has aimed to supply electricity to Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau, and more recently, Taveuni. With an ambitious goal of sourcing 90 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2025, EFL has identified several hydro projects to support this demand, including two major schemes expected to commence within the next five years.
Patel indicated that planning for the Qaliwana and Vatutokotoko hydro schemes, which will leverage EFL’s existing Upper Wailoa Diversion Hydro-electric Scheme, will begin soon, with design work set to start early next year.