EFL tariff hike proposal needs clearer explanation, says Jaduram

Labasa Town Council special administrator chairperson Paul Jaduram says he is not opposed to Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) proposed electricity tariff increase but believes the reasons for the adjustment should have been clearly explained to the public.

Mr Jaduram said electricity and water were essential services and any increase in tariffs directly affected people’s daily lives.

“We are not saying there should be no increase, but when you raise the cost of essential services like electricity and water, you must properly explain to the people why it is being done,” he said.

He said this had not been adequately communicated to consumers.

While acknowledging that businesses faced operational costs, Mr Jaduram warned that a significant electricity tariff increase would have a ripple effect across the economy.

“If the proposed increase goes ahead, we can expect food prices to rise, as manufacturing factories and other industries will need to recover their expenses,” he said.

He said a small percentage increase may have been acceptable, but the proposed increase for commercial and industrial users was excessive.

“In my opinion, an increase of almost 50 per cent for commercial industries is too much. Everybody will be affected in one way or another,” he said.

Mr Jaduram said authorities must ensure any tariff increase was well justified and clearly communicated, particularly at a time when consumers were already facing rising living costs.