FIJIANS are being urged to reduce power usage as skyrocketing global oil prices and geopolitical tensions push the nation’s energy security to breaking point.
In a sobering wake-up call, Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) revealed that while the lights remain on for now, the cost of keeping them on has surged by a staggering 70 per cent.
EFL, which still relies on imported fuel for nearly half of its generation, is feeling the heat as Brent crude prices soar past $US100 a barrel, up from a pre-conflict average of just $US65.
EFL chief executive officer Fatiaki Gibson warned that the current situation is unsustainable, particularly as the company continues to operate without a tariff review that was due three years ago.
“We are facing a perfect storm of global instability and record-high input costs,” Mr Gibson said.
“While we are doing everything in our power to manage the impact, the reality is that we are generating electricity without full cost recovery. This is not a long-term solution for a critical pillar of our economy.”
Despite a government duty concession on fuel running until July 31, the pressure on the grid is mounting as national demand exceeds 200MW.
Mr Gibson said the time for a unified national response had arrived, calling on every household and boardroom to join the fight for energy security.
“Every light switched off, and every air conditioner set to 24 degrees makes a difference.”
“You save energy, we save fuel and together we protect Fiji. Collective action today is the only way to safeguard our stability tomorrow.”
EFL is also tightening its belt on revenue collection, warning customers that failure to settle bills in full and on time will result in swift disconnections.
EFL clarified that while teams are working to optimise hydro resources and manage thermal generation, restoration for after-hours faults may now be delayed until the following business day due to limited standby capacity.
“Fiji’s power system remains resilient, but we cannot ignore the risks,” Mr Fatiaki said.
“We are asking for more than just patience; we are asking for a fundamental shift in how we use electricity until this global crisis subsides.”
