The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission will now suspend the 1st January 2026 electricity tariff increase and allow for a 21-day consultation.
Following serious concerns raised by many sectors including the Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, the Minister for Commerce, Esrom Immanuel had asked FCCC to do a review on how the decision on the increase in tariffs was made.
The Commission says it also received mixed reactions after the increase was announced.
The FCCC CEO, Senikavika Jiuta had earlier maintained that they are independent and the decision on the increase stands.
However FCCC now says consumer groups, domestic, businesses, industries, government departments, political parties, social groups, and youth representatives are to make their submissions to FCCC.
FCCC will publish the Non-Confidential version of EFL's submission dated May 2025 on its website.
FCCC says every consumer, trader - any concerned Fijian citizen - are invited to make submissions.
The additional consultation will provide each of you a further opportunity to submit your views.
This measure taken by the FCCC is an exception and all Fijians are urged to make submissions.
FCCC will also be reaching out to stakeholders, and in addition to the online survey, the public can also make their submissions in writing.
Many people including the Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation had asked for a review of the electricity tariff decision as it will drastically affect people.
Their main concerns include the lack of a new round of proper consultations after the EFL's 2023 submission to FCCC was rejected last year.
They are also concerned that the cost of non price control items will rise which will affect everyone.
They stress it is not just about people paying minimal increases in their electricity bills or not pay anything more if they use 100 units or less of power.
