As consultations on electricity tariffs begin today, the Fiji Council of Social Services says it believes the current round of consultations will provide fresh insights into the implications of the proposed changes, not only for small businesses but also for ordinary citizens as ultimately, it is citizens who will have to bear the burden of any increase.
While welcoming FCCC's decision to defer the rollout of the increased tariff rates, FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga says a portion of their members, because they are micro entrepreneurs, were concerned that consultations had not taken place.
She hopes micro entrepreneurs turn up to the consultations, wherever they are called.
Catanasiga says they know businesses will be passing on those costs and consultations is an opportunity to get some insights on that.
The Executive Director believes there is a need to ensure improved community engagement in this process by breaking down the data in a clear and practical way.
She says people need to understand what the proposed tariffs mean in real terms, for example how much electricity a family uses in a week or a month, and what the likely cost implications would be.
She hopes that, during the consultations, experts involved will be able to clearly explain the figures and data so the public can make informed contributions.
Catanasiga further says as a country that is on the front line of climate change, we are seeing the implications in our communities, rural and both as well as urban, and it's important that Fijian families begin to rethink consumer habits.
She believes it is also a good time for government to seriously invest in renewable energy, so that there are options for families.
Catanasiga says she believes there is a real opportunity for authorities, Government and stakeholders to engage more deeply in the transition to renewable energy.
She says if Fijian families continue to face rising energy costs, there must be viable alternatives through renewable sources.
She adds that this should serve as a clear signal to decision-makers that efforts to accelerate renewable energy development need to be stepped up.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the public consultations will begin in the Northern Division today.
Consultations will be held at the Civic Centre in Labasa Town from 10am to 3pm tomorrow, followed by Seaqaqa Town in front of Legends Investment on Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm.
The final Northern Division consultation will take place on Thursday in Savusavu Town, in front of the Savusavu Town Council Office, from 10am to 3pm.
In the Western Division, sessions will be held at the B.L. Naidu Space in Sigatoka Town and at the FNPF Plaza in Nadi Town, both from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday.
On Thursday, consultations will take place at the New World Space in Ba Town from 10am to 3pm, while the Lautoka venue is yet to be confirmed.
On Friday, consultations will be held at the Courts Fiji and Max Value corridor in Tavua Town from 10am to 3pm, with the Rakiraki Town venue also to be confirmed.
In the Central Division, consultations will be held next Monday at MHCC Hall in Suva, in Valelevu in front of the New World Supermarket, and in Levuka Main Town, all from 10am to 3pm.
Next Tuesday, sessions will take place at Rups Mega in Nakasi and at the Police tent in front of the Max Value Supermarket in Nausori from 10am to 3pm.
The final consultations will be held next Wednesday, in Lami and Navua, with venues yet to be confirmed, from 10am to 3pm.
