EFL: Power demand jumps 9% as economy rebounds

Electricity demand in Fiji surged nine per cent last year, driven by stronger investor confidence and higher tourism occupancy rates, Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) revealed yesterday.

The sharp increase marks a significant jump from the usual 5 per cent annual growth rate and signals the country's economic recovery following the pandemic.

EFL chief financial officer Semisi Tawake told development partners at a roundtable meeting that overall demand is expected to climb from 1.2 million kilowatt hours this year to approximately 1.8 million kilowatt hours by 2035.

"Electricity demand continues to grow steadily at around 5 per cent per annum and last year experienced a sharp increase of 9 per cent," Mr Tawake said.

The rising demand underscores the urgency of EFL's $2 billion renewable energy programme, which aims to add 250 megawatts of new capacity over the next four years.

Without new renewable projects, the growing electricity needs would have to be met through diesel generation, which is more expensive and environmentally damaging.

Currently, renewable energy contributes approximately 47 to 55 per cent of total generation, with year-to-year variations depending on water levels at EFL's two major hydro schemes, Monasavu and Nadarivatu.

The utility projects renewable energy penetration will reach 60 per cent by 2029 and progress toward 90 per cent by 2035.

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