Small business owners in Seaqaqa are expressing serious concerns that the proposed increase in electricity tariffs by Energy Fiji Limited could jeopardize jobs, escalate prices, and further burden small enterprises already grappling with rising operational costs.
During a recent tariff consultation held by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), local business operators emphasized the importance of keeping electricity affordable to sustain their businesses and protect local employment. Jainendra Lal, the owner of Jainendra’s Variety Shop, highlighted the precarious situation for small businesses. He stated, “About the EFL bill raise, it’s a very small place here, we can’t afford if the bill will be raised.”
Gita, the owner of Gita’s Unique Fashion, expressed that the proposed tariff increase could nearly double her monthly electricity bill, exerting tremendous pressure on her operation. She calculated that her expenditure could rise to $3,800 per month, which would severely impact her ability to manage staff salaries and pay for her store lease. “We have to take out the salary for our staff, on top of that doing the payment of our building and then in sudden this thing comes, we have to increase the prices of our items to take out the cost of everything,” Gita explained.
Market vendor Akosita Likutabua also voiced her concerns, indicating that rising electricity costs could have broader repercussions. She acknowledged that while these increases might be expected with the ongoing rise in the cost of living, they still present significant challenges for local businesses.
Residents of Seaqaqa are calling on the government and relevant authorities to thoughtfully assess the implications of the proposed tariff increase, advocating for electricity costs to remain manageable for both households and small business operations. The collective plea underlines the critical balance that must be maintained to support local economies while navigating the challenges of fluctuating energy prices.
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