AS the joint nationwide community awareness program by Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) continues on the proposed electricity tariff increase, some Fijians say now is not the right time for any increase.
Yesterday, The Fiji Times visited Rups Mega Centre in Nakasi and the area outside New World Supermarket in Valelevu, where EFL and FCCC had set up booths for community outreach.
While there were no large crowd at the booths, we spoke with some customers who shared their views on the proposed increase.
Sanjay Narayan, 47, of Farm Rd, Sasavira in Nakasi, believes any increment would have a negative effect on the customers.
“Price of things are already high in our country, and this increment will also affect us,” Mr Narayan said.
“If we don’t get to see it in our bills, then businesses will pass that down to us when we do our shopping.”
He was referring to the explanation provided by the EFL and FCCC team that only customers whose energy consumption exceeds 100 units would experience an increase in their electricity bills.
Ranjana Lal of Vaudamu Place in Nakasi said she was happy to know that she won’t see any huge increase in her EFL bill.
However, she cautioned that businesses will not absorb the increase and pass it to consumers.
“I believe such increments are not good for Fijians as we are already struggling with the rising cost of living,” Ms Lal said.
“Business people will of course pass that increment to us to recover that cost.”
Ana Raluve, 56, from Waicoka, Bau in Tailevu also said she was informed by the EFL team at their booth in Valelevu that she would not experience the impact of the increment.
“This is because I use cash bill,” Ms Raluve said.
“I stay in the village, and these people told me that we won’t feel the impact of the increment.
“But I feel sorry for those who will feel the impact.
She said Fiji was not ready for any increment at this stage.
“Price of everything has really gone up and our people won’t be able to bear any increment, whether it’s in bills or in other goods.”
