Finance minister expects power tariff below 24.2%

Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel says he expects the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) to approve an electricity tariff increase lower than the proposed 24.2 per cent announced in December.

The tariff increase, which was due to take effect on January 1 but was later suspended, has drawn widespread criticism from businesses and consumers across Fiji.

Mr Immanuel said the FCCC’s final determination should reflect concerns raised by the public during the consultation period.

“It should be better than what was declared on December 19 because of the wishes of the people, businesses and the community at large,” Mr Immanuel said last week.

He said many businesses had voiced concerns and made submissions to the FCCC.

“First of all, it’s good that many of them raised their concerns. Hopefully, some made submissions, whether verbal or written, because that will be taken into account by the FCCC,” he said.

Mr Immanuel said while the FCCC operated independently, public submissions would be considered in its final decision.

“The FCCC is independent. We don’t have much influence, but the consultation has closed, so it will take them a few days,” he said.

The Consumer Council of Fiji has warned that higher electricity costs for businesses would likely be passed on to consumers, placing further pressure on household budgets.