FLP calls power tariff talks a farce, FCCC defends process

The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has strongly criticised the ongoing electricity tariff rate consultations, calling them a “total farce” designed to mislead the public, as opposition to the proposed increases intensifies nationwide.

FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the so-called consultations failed to meet basic standards of public engagement.

Mr Chaudhry said the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) had overstepped its authority by announcing electricity tariff increases from January 2026 without first holding proper public consultations.

He said attendees at the first consultation in Labasa on Tuesday were told: “We are not here to answer questions. We are here to give information.”

Mr Chaudhry warned that electricity tariff increases would have serious implications for the cost of goods and services, and questioned whether the FCCC would genuinely consider submissions from Labour and the business sector.

At the Nadi consultation yesterday, members of the business community raised similar concerns, with Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Lawrence Kumar saying the process was being misrepresented.

“There is a vast difference between a consultation and an awareness,” Mr Kumar said.

“What we are seeing here is more like public awareness, not a consultation.”

Electricity tariff consultations in Nadi on January 7, 2026.

Photo: Katherine Naidu

Mr Kumar said businesses expected formal presentations by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) and the FCCC, supported by data explaining the proposed 24 per cent increase.

“They’ve just pulled it out from thin air and put it on paper,” he said.

Mr Kumar warned that if implemented, the increase would inevitably be passed on to consumers.

“No business house is going to absorb the cost. The cost of goods is going to go up, and it will be borne by the consumer,” he said.

Responding to the criticism, FCCC chief executive officer Senikavika L Jiuta rejected claims that the exercise was merely an awareness campaign.

“It’s not an awareness. It’s a consultation face-to-face, one-on-one with people,” she said, citing what she described as widespread misinformation.

Ms Jiuta said feedback from the 21-day consultation period would be reviewed urgently, with recommendations expected within two weeks.

"We are going around letting people know how it will affect them; we are having consultations to hear from the public.

"There is a lot of outcry on social media, so now we are giving people the opportunity.

“Please come and see us, come and talk to us; the FCCC remains open to engaging with businesses and the public," she said.