[Photo: FILE]

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has rejected claims that proper consultations are not being held on the proposed electricity tariff increase.

The response follows concerns raised in Labasa over Energy Fiji Limited’s proposed 32 percent increase over four years.

Residents from Labasa say the session felt like an awareness program or roadshow.

They say it was not a real consultation.

They also pointed out that no senior officials were present.

They say there was no direct discussion with the community.

FCCC states consultations are one-on-one.

It says this allows people to speak directly with officers.

FCCC Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta defended the process and said it was genuine.

She says it was not a box-ticking exercise, stating that officers are meeting people face to face.

She adds that the feedback was being recorded.

FCCC teams are on the ground in the Northern Division, as well as in the Western Division.

Consultations in the Central Division begin next week.

Jiuta says she will attend the Nadi consultation, which will be held at FNPF Plaza, from 10am to 3pm.

She states Fijians can speak with her directly.

FCCC stated it has written to key organisations.

These include business groups and NGOs.

They have been invited to submit written feedback.

They have also been invited to roundtable discussions.

FCCC clarified that the tariff proposal came from Energy Fiji Limited.

It says the Commission did not submit it.

EFL teams are present at consultation venues.

They answer technical questions.

FCCC officers explain the process.

They also record public feedback.

A 21-day consultation period has been set.

FCCC has introduced a Bill Calculator. It shows how bills may change.

FCCC has urged accurate reporting. It says misinformation limits public participation.

Members of the public can submit feedback online.

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