Press Release – Monday 23rd September, 2019
The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) welcomes the announcement by the Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission (FCCC) regarding the modest increase in the revised Electricity Tariff Rates.
FHTA appreciated the opportunity for consultation and had subsequently made a submission to FCCC with regard to the tariff increase request by Electricity Fiji Limited (EFL) of 17.27% and had advocated strongly against such a drastic increase.
“We acknowledge that tariffs need to be revised every few years to adjust for inflation to ensure the sustainability and financial viability of EFL, but sudden, sizable hikes would only add to the burden of the current cost of business in Fiji,” noted FHTA CEO, Fantasha Lockington.
“As Fiji transitions to cleaner energy sources and EFL implements more pragmatic ideas for its sustainable growth, it would be more reasonable to raise tariffs gradually to reduce social implications”.
FHTA commended FCCC for considering submissions and conducting consultations on the proposed tariff increase before the prudent recommendation on the 2.74% increase that will be effective from next month.
The Association looks forward to FCCC’s continuation of its inclusive consultative processes to discuss any increases that affect business costs.
