Public interest appears limited during the electricity tariff rate consultation held at the Nausori Plaza Complex, with only a small number of people taking part in the discussions.
The fijivillage News team at the venue noted that while a few members of the public approached organisers to ask what the consultation was about, several left shortly afterwards without staying to be briefed or to share their views on the proposed tariff changes.
A similar situation was reported at another consultation currently underway at the Rups Mega Complex in Nakasi.
As at 11.30am, only 10 people had attended the session.
The Nausori and Nakasi consultations will continue until 3pm.
According to the proposed increase for commercial customers, Tier One users will see the rate increase from 40 cents to 43 cents per kilowatt hour.
Tier Two commercial users will see the rate rise from 40 cents to 50 cents per kilowatt hour.
Tier Three users will see an increase from 40 cents to 57 cents per kilowatt hour.
Tier Four users will see an increase of 22 cents, from 40 cents to 63 cents per kilowatt hour.
Many people including the Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation have 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.
Stay with us for updates.
