The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation has welcomed the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission's decision to suspend the electricity tariff increase and allow for a 21-day consultation but is urging FCCC to ensure that genuine consultations are undertaken, including at days and times when the public and the private sector is available.
While speaking to fijivillage News, FCEF CEO Edward Bernard says they had initially written to the CEO of the FCCC, suggesting a suspension and are very grateful to her for allowing them to have this consultation.
He says FCEF will make a formal submission based on their internal consultations with their members, and they look forward to the consultation dates to be released soon by FCCC.
Bernard says they stand ready to work with FCCC to ensure the private sector participates and contributes at these consultations.
When questioned about how hopeful he is that the people’s views will be considered this time around, given what was done before the announcement, Bernard says the FCCC’s decision comes in good faith, as it could have relied on the legislation that governs it and simply said that the decision was that of an independent institution.
The CEO further says it's important that institutions that are developing policies and legislation consult those stakeholders that are impacted, whether it be public, private sector, or even government.
Bernard is also urging everyone to take part in public consultations and have their views highlighted.
More consultation, EFL tariff increase suspendedBy Vijay Narayan 02/01/2026
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission will now suspend the 1st January 2026 electricity tariff increase and allow for a 21-day consultation.
Following serious concerns raised by many sectors including the Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, the Minister for Commerce, Esrom Immanuel had asked FCCC to do a review on how the decision on the increase in tariffs was made.
The Commission says it also received mixed reactions after the increase was announced.
The FCCC CEO, Senikavika Jiuta had earlier maintained that they are independent and the decision on the increase stands.
However FCCC now says consumer groups, domestic, businesses, industries, government departments, political parties, social groups, and youth representatives are to make their submissions to FCCC.
FCCC will publish the Non-Confidential version of EFL's submission dated May 2025 on its website.
FCCC says every consumer, trader - any concerned Fijian citizen - are invited to make submissions.
The additional consultation will provide each of you a further opportunity to submit your views.
This measure taken by the FCCC is an exception and all Fijians are urged to make submissions.
FCCC will also be reaching out to stakeholders, and in addition to the online survey, the public can also make their submissions in writing.
Many people including the Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation had asked for a review of the electricity tariff decision as it will drastically affect people.
Their main concerns include the lack of a new round of proper consultations after the EFL's 2023 submission to FCCC was rejected last year.
They are also concerned that the cost of non price control items will rise which will affect everyone.
They stress it is not just about people paying minimal increases in their electricity bills or not pay anything more if they use 100 units or less of power.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission will now suspend the 1st January 2026 electricity tariff increase and allow for a 21-day consultation.
Following serious concerns raised by many sectors including the Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, the Minister for Commerce, Esrom Immanuel had asked FCCC to do a review on how the decision on the increase in tariffs was made.
The Commission says it also received mixed reactions after the increase was announced.
The FCCC CEO, Senikavika Jiuta had earlier maintained that they are independent and the decision on the increase stands.
However FCCC now says consumer groups, domestic, businesses, industries, government departments, political parties, social groups, and youth representatives are to make their submissions to FCCC.
FCCC will publish the Non-Confidential version of EFL's submission dated May 2025 on its website.
FCCC says every consumer, trader - any concerned Fijian citizen - are invited to make submissions.
The additional consultation will provide each of you a further opportunity to submit your views.
This measure taken by the FCCC is an exception and all Fijians are urged to make submissions.
FCCC will also be reaching out to stakeholders, and in addition to the online survey, the public can also make their submissions in writing.
Many people including the Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation had asked for a review of the electricity tariff decision as it will drastically affect people.
Their main concerns include the lack of a new round of proper consultations after the EFL's 2023 submission to FCCC was rejected last year.
They are also concerned that the cost of non price control items will rise which will affect everyone.
They stress it is not just about people paying minimal increases in their electricity bills or not pay anything more if they use 100 units or less of power.
