Energy tariff decision expected today

The outcome of an application to increase energy tariff will be announced today.

According to a revised programme, the announcement by the trade regulator, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), is considered “critical”.

The FCCC is expected to outline its position and provide guidelines on proposed increases to energy tariffs.

Sources close to the matter said the commission would also monitor the processes involved should a tariff increase be approved.

“The only way it’s going is up,” one source said. “Cabinet has discussed the matter.

“It will require a balancing act by the Government as infrastructure needs to be improved, but not at the expense of consumers.

“The Government also needs to keep everyone happy.”

Another source earlier warned of a possible tariff increase after Energy Fiji Limited’s initial submission was rejected by the commission.

Questions have also been raised about the extent of public consultations on the matter.

The commission has requested media to confine questions strictly to the tariff issue during today’s announcement.

As consumers brace for a likely increase in electricity tariffs, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation said any decision would affect the cost of doing business.

Federation chief executive Edward Bernard said businesses would be forced to reassess competitiveness and productivity amid an ongoing skills shortage and high freight costs.

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