FIJI COMMERCE & EMPLOYERS FEDERATION | A letter of concern

22 December, 2025

Ms Senikavika Jiuta

Chief Executive Officer

Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission (FCCC)

42 Gorrie Street

SUVA

Ref: 24.2% increase in Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) Tariffs effective from January 1, 2026

Dear Ms Juita,

THE Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) respects the mandate of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) as an independent regulator and regulations that guide its work.

However, we wish to convey the private sector’s deep concern regarding the absence of consultations with businesses and business organisations — key stakeholders and major contributors to Fiji’s economy.

We note that the Commission’s decision was based on its internal assessment of a revised proposal submitted by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), originally lodged in 2023 seeking a 37 per cent increase.

Since that time, the cost of doing business in Fiji has risen sharply. Minimum wage has increased by more than 50 per cent (86 per cent over the past three years), corporate tax has risen by five per cent and the cost of sourcing and retaining workers has escalated significantly due to the ongoing labour and skills crisis.

Low productivity levels continue to erode the bottom line of many businesses.

These pressures are being felt across all sectors, sizes, ownership types, and geographic locations.

Utility costs, including electricity—already represent a substantial portion of business expenditure.

The proposed 24.2 per cent increase will further elevate these costs, with likely consequences for business expansion, investment decisions, and overall competitiveness.

This trajectory risks undermining national targets, including increasing MSME contribution to 22 per cent and lifting investment to 20 per cent of GDP by 2030.

While the Federation acknowledges the importance of investment in EFL’s Renewable Energy CAPEX Plan and its new five-year capital expenditure program, it is imperative that the public, Government and the private sector — who are the end users of EFL’s services — are consulted.

EFL’s position as the sole major energy provider in Fiji further underscores the need for broad and transparent engagement.

We therefore strongly recommend that FCCC suspends its decision on the proposed increase and undertakes nationwide consultations with the private sector.

We believe this essential step will provide the Commission with critical insights that support a more balanced and informed decision.

FCEF stands ready to mobilise the private sector to support these consultations.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Edward Bernard

Chief Executive Officer