Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Government is urgently working with Energy Fiji Ltd to prevent possible nationwide power rationing, as concerns mount over fuel supply pressures and electricity generation stability.
EFL has warned that if fuel recovery support is not secured by May 22, the country could face controlled load shedding and potential power rationing.
Mr Rabuka said Government was aware of the seriousness of the situation and actively engaging with the utility company to explore alternatives.
“We would like to avoid that, but if there is no way of avoiding it, power rationing has been applied in many countries in the world that have gone through this situation,” he said.
He noted that while Fiji has not experienced widespread rationing in recent decades, the current energy mix — including hydroelectricity and growing household solar adoption — could help cushion the impact if managed carefully.
“Rationing may be a way of doing it and keep both going, keep the hydro power generators going as well as the diesel generators going,” he said.
Mr Rabuka stressed that any demand management measures would be designed to avoid total blackouts.
He also confirmed that a $30 million assistance package from the Australian Government would be channelled through the national budget system rather than directly to EFL.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet the EFL’s chief executive today, ahead of the May 22 deadline, in a bid to resolve the issue and reduce pressure on consumers.
