Power users face 24.2% tariff rise from January 1

Electricity rates for consumers using over 100 units are set to rise by 24.2 per cent starting January 1, next year.

Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) chief executive officer, Senikavika Jiuta, confirmed the decision at a press briefing yesterday morning.

She said the commission had earlier turned down Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) request for a 37 per cent increase. The revised 24.2 per cent hike was approved on September 25.

Ms Jiuta explained that the new tariff structure aims to protect lower-use households, with no increase for domestic users consuming up to 100 units.

She added that the FCCC would continue to supervise EFL closely to ensure accountability and transparency.

“The revised tariffs are designed to be fair for average consumers, maintain reliable electricity supply, and support Fiji’s long-term sustainable energy goals,” Jiuta said.

For domestic households, the updated rates are as follows:

Commercial rates will also increase depending on usage tier:

Ms Jiuta pointed out that the previous EFL management had rejected the increase on four separate grounds.

However, the current board’s approval focused primarily on the absence of a Renewable Energy Capital Expenditure (Capex) Plan.

EFL has since submitted a five-year Capex plan and is now negotiating agreements with Independent Power Producers, which had not been done previously.

The FCCC highlighted that the decision followed widespread public consultations in 2023 across the Central, Western, and Northern divisions.

The new tariff approval comes with conditions, including a target for EFL to generate 90 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2029.

Public awareness sessions will be held nationwide to help consumers understand the new rates, ask questions, and learn how to use electricity more efficiently.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj