Public consultations start on increasing EFL tariff

People can now give their views to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission on the proposed increase in tariff by the Energy Fiji Limited as public consultations have started this week.

According to their submission, EFL is seeking an increase in the electricity tariff of around 32 percent over the next four years.

The current rate is 34 cents per kilowatt hour for domestic users.

The proposed rate is 31.23 cents per kilowatt hour plus 25 cents fixed charge per day for subsidised domestic customers while it is 32.23 cents per kilowatt hour plus 65 cents fixed charge per day for non-subsidised domestic customers, institutions, place of worship and streetlights.

EFL says for units less than or equal to 100 kilowatt hour per month, government electricity subsidy will apply for domestic customers at a rate of 16.34 cents per unit (VEP) that meet the combined household income of $30,000 or less per annum.

For units less than or equal to 200 kilowatt hour per month, government electricity subsidy will apply for schools (primary and secondary) at the rate of 12.85 cents per unit (VEP). EFL says the increase in required to ensure it has the financial ability to implement its 10-year Power Development Plan, and that Fiji has an adequate power capability, and a reliable and efficient power supply at reasonable cost to support economic growth and transition to renewable energy projects.

Consultations are underway at the Nausori Market carpark and in Seaqaqa Town.

Consultations will continue at the Savusavu Town Council, between Nadi Market and New World Supermarket, Mobil Service Station in Vatualevu, Nadi, at the entrance of Sugar City Mall in Lautoka tomorrow, in front of Suncity Supermarket in Wairiki, Taveuni, opposite Ba Bus Stand, in the corridor opposite Max-Valu Supermarket in Tavua Town on Friday, in Naqara Town and Matei in Taveuni and at Rakiraki Market on Saturday and Nabouwalu Market car park on Monday. It starts at 9am and ends at 3pm.

Submissions can be emailed to energy@fccc.gov.fj or hand delivered or posted to FCCC.