Suva, Fiji 22 September 2023 – The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) is deeply dismayed by Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) recent request for a tariff increase.
FHTA firmly believes that EFL’s approach to renewable energy sources, in the context of global climate change efforts, should be seen as an opportunity for innovation rather than a threat to their financial stability.
EFL’s recent pursuit of a tariff review with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has stirred concerns within Fiji’s business and industrial sectors.
While EFL has pointed to genuine challenges such as rising fuel costs and the necessity to develop hydro projects, FHTA underscores the paramount importance of sustainable practices and the need to either maintain or lower business costs, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tourism industry has progressively embraced sustainability as a cornerstone of its business strategies.
Renewable energy sources, including solar power, have proven to be economically viable options for curtailing electricity expenses and reducing the carbon footprint.
Advanced solar power technologies provide more efficient energy solutions for households, businesses, industries, and public and commercial buildings.
Furthermore, the utilization of distributed generation units, such as solar panels combined with small-scale energy storage systems, can enhance self-consumption and alleviate grid congestion.
This approach holds the potential to ensure the recurrent power blackouts that have historically plagued Fijians are a thing of the past.
FHTA firmly advocates for Fiji to wholeheartedly embrace renewable energy alternatives to ensure that affordable, dependable, and easily accessible energy is accessible to every household, business, and industry.
Collaboration between the tourism industry and EFL is instrumental in driving the transition towards cleaner energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and preserving Fiji’s natural beauty for the benefit of future generations.
FHTA is in the process of preparing a submission to present to the Government concerning EFL’s tariff increase request.
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association
The Voice of the Industry
