People will continue paying the current electricity rates, with the proposed tariff adjustment deferred until 31st March next year, while the interim fuel surcharge of 5.91 cents per kilowatt-hour remains in place until December 2026.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission says it does not want households and businesses to face the cost of a new electricity tariff and the existing fuel surcharge at the same time, as this would put too much pressure on consumers during an already difficult period.
It is also urging all Fijians to use electricity sparingly, saying every unit of electricity saved reduces the amount of fuel needed to generate power.
It says higher electricity costs affect the budget of every household and business in Fiji, while ongoing global tensions continue to keep fuel prices unstable.
FCCC says any decision to introduce the proposed tariff will be communicated to the public before it takes effect.
It says the interim fuel 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 fuel prices rose sharply.
FCCC says it kept the surcharge in place after considering fuel costs from April, May, June, July and August 2026, as well as the effect of weather conditions on hydroelectric power generation.
It says keeping the surcharge in place until December will also allow a reconciliation exercise to be completed and considered as part of the surcharge review to determine whether there has been any over-recovery or under-recovery during that period.
Meanwhile, Energy Fiji Limited has made a new submission to FCCC requesting a further increase in the fuel surcharge.
FCCC says water levels in hydro dams have been falling, with dry conditions already being felt in the Western Division and forecasts pointing to a super El Nino.
It says when dam levels drop, less electricity is generated through hydropower, meaning more fuel has to be used to meet electricity demand.
FCCC says it is assessing EFL's request and will keep the public updated, while the current surcharge rate remains unchanged.
The Commission says that as an independent regulator, it makes decisions through objective, evidence-based assessments, taking into account relevant information, stakeholder views and market conditions.
It says it will continue monitoring fuel costs and electricity generation to ensure future decisions on the surcharge or tariff are transparent and balance the sustainability of Fiji's electricity supply with the interests of consumers.
