FIJIAN Competition & Consumer Commission CEO Senikavika Jiuta has refuted claims that public consultations on the proposed electricity tariff were more of a public awareness session.
“It’s not an awareness, it’s a face to face and one on one consultation with people,” she said.
“Because there seems to be a lot of misinformation happening so we rather talk to people one on one.
“For the stakeholders and commercial industries, we are meeting with them. We are having a table discussion.”
Ms Jiuta said after 21 days there should be a determination on the revised 2025 Electricity Tariff.
“The sessions in December was an awareness and letting people know how it will affect them.
“But this time around we have been told to go for another round of consultation just to hear from members of the public so we are opening it up because there was a lot of outcry on social media so we are giving people an opportunity to come and see us and talk to us.”
Kumar urges scrutiny on proposed tariff
NADI Chamber of Commerce president Lawrence Kumar says the proposed 2025 Electricity Tariff increment needs to be scrutinised.
He told the media in Nadi yesterday the tariff increment needs to be postponed for a good period of time “The current government has been talking about including the people, inclusivity all the time,” he said.
“The Government has been talking about consultation and engaging with stakeholders and people out there.
“But in this case we have seen it has not really happened.”
Mr Kumar acknowledged the Finance Ministry on holding the current increase of tariff that was supposed to be imposed on January 1, and allowing consultations to be conducted.
“Apparently, I hope these consultations is not getting done just to tick the box out there.
“There should be a real scrutiny that needs to be done on this whole data that gets sort of worked out and collated after these consultations.
“That data needs to be relooked at, and look and hear the views of the people.”
Lautoka resident urges public input
LAUTOKA resident Sereima Bulou has hit out at people who do not attend forums where they can express their concerns about the prosed changes to the power bill but were quick to complain when these increases are endorsed.
Speaking at the 2025 Electricity Tariff public consultation venue in Nadi yesterday, she told The Fiji Times that it was important for members of the public to share their views on the impact of the bill.
“It’s good that we are having this awareness so that we can see from a domestic user, and them (FCCC), explaining both the impact of the tariffs on the commercial users and how it would affect the products and services,” she said.
“Because that cost will trickle down on the members of the public.
“So, it’s good that they explain both and for people to understand.”
Ms Bulou said members of the public tend to complain when its too late.
“When we are given time to submit our views it’s important for us to attend this consultation.
“And if the people have access to electronic gadgets, they can send their submissions online because FCCC will need to get their feedback on the impact of the tariff.
“So, it’s important that we give our views.
“Most of us don’t give our views now and complain later.”
The revised 2025 Electricity Tariff consultation will continue today at the Lautoka Sugar City Mall and New World space in Ba.
