Neither the People’s Alliance Party’s Management Committee nor the Party’s Executive Committee has issued any directive or request to the government regarding the increase in the Energy Fiji Limited tariff.
Those are the comments of Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka to fijivillage News after he was questioned regarding the People’s Alliance Party's stand following the statement by PAP General Secretary, Sila Balawa.
Balawa has said that while the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is an independent statutory body, it must not forget that Ministers in Government are elected representatives of the people.
While noting the comments made by FCCC Chief Executive Officer Senikavika Jiuta regarding the recent increase in electricity tariffs, Balawa said when the Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau raises concerns, he is doing so on behalf of ordinary Fijians who will feel the impact of higher electricity costs in their daily lives.
He says calling for further consultation does not in any way undermine or erode the independence of the FCCC.
He adds that it instead reflects a responsible and people-centred approach to decision-making, especially on matters that directly affect household expenses, small businesses, and the cost of living.
Balawa says independence under the law should not mean insulation from public concern.
When questioned by fijivillage News, Rabuka says these are the views expressed by the General Secretary of the People’s Alliance Party.
He says Cabinet was briefed by the FCCC on the proposed tariff adjustment, and the Minister responsible for EFL, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, was tasked by Cabinet to continue discussions and engagements with the FCCC.
Rabuka emphasises that the FCCC is an independent body and, under the law, does not take direction from Cabinet or any other authority.
Although no new round of consultations were done after the EFL submission in 2023 was rejected, the Prime Minister says both the Chairperson and the Chief Executive Officer of the FCCC have assured Cabinet that comprehensive due diligence was undertaken prior to the announcement of the tariff increase.
Rabuka encourages consumers to take full advantage of the FCCC’s public awareness programmes being conducted around the country, so that they are well informed about the potential implications of the tariff adjustment.
He says while many households may not be immediately affected, it is important to understand the broader and longer-term impacts, particularly on commercial electricity users, which may in turn affect the cost of living and the wider economy over time.
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.
We have sought further comments from the Prime Minister after he said that the Chairperson, Cecil Browne and the Chief Executive Officer of the FCCC, Senikavika Jiuta have assured Cabinet that comprehensive due diligence was undertaken prior to the announcement of the tariff increase.
