Energy Fiji Limited has made a new submission to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, asking for a further increase in the electricity fuel surcharge as water levels in hydro dams continue to fall.
FCCC says dry conditions are already being felt in the Western Division, with forecasts pointing to a Super El Niño.
It says when dam levels drop, less electricity comes from hydro and more fuel has to be burned to meet demand.
FCCC says it is assessing EFL's submission and will keep the public updated on its progress.
In the meantime, the current surcharge rate remains unchanged.
The interim electricity fuel surcharge of 5.91 cents per kilowatt-hour will continue until December 2026, while the proposed electricity tariff has been deferred until 31st March 2027.
FCCC says it did not want consumers and businesses to carry the cost of the new tariff and the fuel surcharge at the same time, as applying both together would have been too heavy a burden during this period.
It says higher electricity costs affect the budget of every household and business in Fiji, while ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to keep global fuel prices unstable.
FCCC says any decision to implement the proposed tariff will be communicated to the public before it takes effect.
The interim surcharge of 5.91 cents per kilowatt-hour has been in place since 26th May 2026.
It was first assessed using the actual cost of Industrial Diesel Oil and Heavy Fuel Oil purchased in March 2026, when prices rose sharply.
FCCC says it kept the surcharge in place after considering fuel costs in April, May, June, July and August 2026, as well as the effect of weather on hydroelectric generation.
It says it will keep monitoring fuel costs and electricity generation closely so that any future decision on the surcharge or tariff is transparent and balances the sustainability of Fiji's electricity supply with the interests of consumers.
FCCC is also urging all Fijians to use electricity sparingly, saying electricity demand remains steady and every unit saved reduces the amount of fuel that has to be burned to generate power.
Questions have been sent to Energy Fiji Limited.
