Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) says a tiny portion of its consumers place a massive load on the national grid — and that’s why higher tariffs for large users are necessary.
In a public notice, the utility revealed that around 1% of customers consume approximately 31% of Fiji’s total electricity, meaning the network must be built to meet the demands of a very small but energy-intensive group.
EFL said the electricity system has to be designed to meet peak demand and remain reliable at all times, which requires major investment.
“Serving these customers requires large power generating plants, heavy machinery, extensive transmission and distribution networks, and skilled engineers and technical staff,” said EFL CEO, Fatiaki Gibson.
Because of these costs, the company argues it is reasonable that those who place the greatest demand on the system contribute more to maintaining and expanding it.
EFL also stressed that its tariff approach has been carefully reviewed.
“These tariff levels have been independently verified, the financial and cost assumptions reviewed by a global Big Four audit firm, and the approach aligns with international best practice,” Gibson said.
The utility says the pricing framework is designed to keep Fiji’s electricity supply reliable and financially sustainable, while ensuring fairness across all consumer groups.
