FURTHER assessments and consultations are being carried out regarding the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (FCCC) proposal to increase electricity tariffs by 24.2 per cent, says Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
Speaking to this masthead yesterday, he said a statement would be issued later on this matter.
“We are still undergoing further assessments and consultation,” Ro Filipe said.
“We’ll issue a statement later, so at this point I cannot make any further comment.”
Ro Filipe had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the approval of the electricity tariff increase, saying the Government’s position is clear that further consultations should have been conducted and more time allowed before any increase was implemented.
Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader, Mahendra Chaudhry dismissed claims by the FCCC that the tariff increases were decided after extensive nationwide consultations.
“This is not supported by the businesses we have consulted. Be that as it may, we submit that FCCC has not followed the normal procedure of first publicising the proposed tariff increase for public information and submission.
“In keeping with the past practice, a decision should only be made on an application after public submissions have been considered.
“It is, in our view, wrong for FCCC to consider the announced increases as an extension of Energy Fiji’s earlier application (2023), which had been rejected.”
The People’s Alliance Party (PAP) general secretary, Sila Balawa, while expressing the party’s dissatisfaction on the proposed increase, said calling for further consultation does not in any way undermine or erode the independence of the FCCC.
“Rather, it reflects a responsible and people-centred approach to decision-making, especially on matters that directly affect household expenses, small businesses, and the cost of living,” Mr Balawa said.
“Independence under the law should not mean insulation from public concern. Regulatory decisions, particularly those with nationwide impact, must be informed not only by numbers and technical analysis, but also by the lived realities of the people.”
He said the party believes meaningful consultation strengthens public trust, improves decision-making, and ensures that the interests of consumers remain at the centre of any regulatory process.
“The concerns raised by Hon Ro Filipe Tuisawau are legitimate, reasonable, and in the best interest of the people of Fiji.”
Meanwhile, the FCCC has organised nationwide Electricity Tariff Awareness Sessions, which will run until the end of this month.
The post 24.2% tariffs under scrutiny appeared first on The Fiji Times.
No comments yet.