The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has resolved to defer its final electricity tariff authorisation to 30th April this year, providing EFL further opportunity to engage with government to further explore the proposed support measures and financing options before a final tariff determination is made.
FCCC says this has been decided after considering all submissions and broader policy recommendations.
It says the submissions from government ministries also outlined a coordinated whole of government approach to supporting EFL's significant capital investment requirements through various financial and fiscal measures aimed at reducing the potential impact of tariff adjustments on consumers.
The Commission says the consultation outcome indicated that 51 percent of participants expressed support for the rationale behind a tariff adjustment, acknowledging the need to strengthen national electricity infrastructure and support Fiji’s renewable energy transition.
FCCC also noted that majority of the 51 percent recommended that the tariff increase be implemented in a phased and measured manner.
At the same time, FCCC notes that cost-of-living pressures remain a prominent concern.
37 percent of participants opposed any increase in electricity tariffs, citing rising household expenses and increases in non-regulated goods and services.
The remaining participants proposed additional policy considerations to ensure that infrastructure development proceeds while mitigating impacts on vulnerable consumers.
The FCCC acknowledges and appreciates the constructive engagement and feedback demonstrated throughout the consultation process.
The 21-day public consultation period on the Electricity Tariff Review has officially concluded.
During the consultation period, FCCC says it received an extensive and diverse range of stakeholder feedback.
975 submissions were received.
This included 65 formal written submissions, 5 focus group sessions with business communities and key interest groups, and 905 public responses gathered through structured oral consultations and surveys.
These submissions were from a broad range of stakeholders, including consumers, businesses, industry representatives, consumer groups and government ministries.
