NFP Calls for Withdrawal of Electricity Tariff Hike

The National Federation Party (NFP) has called on Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) to withdraw the proposed electricity tariff increase, saying it is not in the national interest.

In a statement, NFP President Parmod Chand said there is no justification for increasing electricity tariffs for residential, commercial, or industrial consumers. He said the proposal has caused widespread public concern due to the way it was approved and announced, without proper public consultation.

The party has already made a formal submission to the FCCC opposing the tariff hike.

Mr Chand said the tariff increase, approved by the FCCC following a submission by EFL in May 2025, has been met with strong public condemnation. He described the rollout as a “catastrophic disaster” and said the consultations now being conducted by the FCCC are viewed by many as not genuine.

He also questioned EFL’s claim that 99,000 residential consumers would not be affected, arguing that sharp increases for commercial users would inevitably lead to higher prices for goods and services.

“The massive increase for businesses will be passed on to consumers, hitting people’s pockets and driving up inflation,” Mr Chand said, adding that inflation had been at record low levels in 2025.

The NFP said business customers could face an average increase of about 34 percent across four usage tiers, which would undermine government efforts to reduce the cost of living.

Mr Chand acknowledged the importance of investment in energy security and sustainability, but said this must be balanced against economic and social impacts. He called for continued dialogue with government and stakeholders to explore alternative financing options.

The NFP said withdrawing the proposal would align with coalition government policies aimed at raising incomes, reducing inflation, and encouraging investment.

“In the national interest, and to protect our people, this proposal must be withdrawn,” Mr Chand said.