Public feedback has been mixed yet generally measured regarding the proposed electricity tariff increases discussed during a recent consultation hosted by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC). The discussion brought together residents who expressed varying opinions about the potential impact on their household expenses.
Many attendees, including Ravendra Kumar from Valelevu, felt the proposed increase of $1.97 on electricity bills would be manageable for most households. Kumar stated, “If it’s just $1.97 that we’re billed, I think it’s not much. People can afford to pay that. If people can afford to drink grog and buy beer, why can’t they pay a dollar ninety-seven cents for the bill? I think it’s not that bad.” His comments reflect a sentiment among some residents that minor increases are acceptable in the context of essential services.
Tevita Tawake from Tacirua echoed this view, sharing that his calculations showed only a minimal increase of $1.20 on his previous month’s bill, which ranged between $60 to $70. He suggested that low-income families could adapt to the increase through conscientious use of electricity. “We can still sustain this increase if we make good use of electricity and conserve it,” he commented.
Conversely, concerns about affordability in light of Fiji’s high cost of living were voiced by Avinesh Kumar of Makoi. While acknowledging that the increase caters to the operational needs of Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), he emphasized the importance of keeping the tariff hike reasonable. “A small increase in the unit is okay, but it should not be too much because the cost of living is already high in Fiji,” he noted, advocating for a balance between operational needs and consumer affordability.
Jitesh Patel, President of the Suva Retailers Association, expressed appreciation for the FCCC’s engagement with the public but raised alarms about potential indirect impacts on the economy. He pointed out that although 97 percent of the population might not be directly affected by the increase, the broader implications for businesses and consumers merit further examination. “This should have been done earlier; otherwise, this whole issue wouldn’t have happened,” he remarked, urging for comprehensive analysis moving forward.
The ongoing consultations by the FCCC are critical in ensuring that public input shapes the final decision on the proposed tariff adjustments. Affordability, sustainability, and transparency have emerged as vital themes in these discussions, highlighting a collective desire for a balanced approach to utility pricing in Fiji. As the process unfolds, there remains hope for a resolution that considers the needs and concerns of all stakeholders involved.
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