The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation has urged the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission to set aside its proposed electricity tariff determination entirely and allow Energy Fiji Limited to make a fresh submission supported by full disclosures.
This was highlighted by FCEF CEO Edward Bernard after the organisation made its submission at the Suva Civic Centre on the proposed electricity tariff increase.
Bernard says the FCCC provided FCEF with an exclusive consultation for its members and the wider private sector, following concerns about flaws in the existing consultation structure.
He says the consultation was well attended, with representatives from FCEF, the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council, the Textile and Clothing Council, and other industry groups.
INSERT: Bernard on submission 13th Jan
The CEO stressed that concerns remain about the broader consultation process, particularly for household consumers.
He says that while the FCCC has indicated the impact of the tariff increase on households would be minimal, the proposed 34.7 percent increase for commercial users would likely result in higher prices for goods and services.
He adds that, ultimately, ordinary Fijians will bear the cost of this increase, and it is important that household consumers are also given the opportunity to participate in a genuine consultation process.
