The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is to begin public consultations shortly following Energy Fiji Ltd’s submission for a tariff increase.
Commission CEO Joel Abraham said EFL submitted a proposal that involved an alternative methodology and pricing principle.
He said the proposed system suggested a new variable and fixed cost component rather than the current kilowatt charges. “So, they want a fixed charge and a variable charge,” Mr Abraham said.
“If you apply that to a bill, say a residential customer is paying $50, the new bill as per their submission would be around $69, which equates to around a 40 per cent increase, but, say if somebody was paying $100, for them it’s a 17 per cent increase.
“So, please, don’t go and sensationalise that a 40 per cent increase is being sought. There is a difference in the methodology which EFL has applied.”
Mr Abraham said they would hold preliminary discussions with EFL after which they would be able to provide clarity to consumers.
He said FCCC has written to the Water Authority to follow up on their submission on their bid for an increase in water rates.
Mr Abraham noted comments by WAF for an increase in water rates, however, he clarified WAF submitted its proposal in 2019, therefore it must update the submission.
As far as any increase in the utility rates is concerned, Mr Abraham said FCCC would engage in public consultation before it decided.
“It could be an increase. It could be a reduction. It could be no change. We have not formed an opinion,” he said.
“And so we want members of the public as well as businesses to come out and provide their comments and feedback on this as well.”
