Fiji Labour Party slams electricity tariff hike

The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has criticised the announced electricity tariff increase due to take effect on January 1, 2026, describing it as unfair and lacking proper consultation.

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) annouced yesterday that electricity rates for consumers using over 100 units are set to rise by 24.2 per cent starting January 1, next year.

Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry said households consuming more than 100 units of electricity per month would face increases of between one and two cents per unit.

Consumers using 101 to 300 units would see a one-cent rise per unit, while those using more than 301 units would face a two-cent increase.

Mr Chaudhry said details of the impact on business consumers had not been made clear.

“These must be published for their information, and their submissions considered,” he said.

The party also questioned the FCCC’s claim that the increase followed extensive nationwide consultations.

“This is not supported by businesses we have consulted,” Mr Chaudhry said, adding that there appeared to have been insufficient engagement with those affected.

The party said the FCCC had not followed standard procedures, which require public notice and the opportunity for submissions before any tariff changes are approved.

“In keeping with past practice, a decision should only be made on an application after public submissions have been considered,” Mr Chaudhry said.

He added that the announced increases should not be treated as an extension of Energy Fiji Limited (EFL)’s 2023 application, which had been rejected.

“EFL should be required to make a fresh application, which should then be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

The party said it had formally submitted its concerns and was awaiting a response from the relevant authorities, stressing that any increase in electricity tariffs should follow proper procedures to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability.

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