Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica clarified that the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission’s current mandate includes setting electricity tariffs and regulating Independent Power Producer pricing.

Kamikamica emphasized this during a parliamentary session following a question from Independent Member of Parliament Premila Kumar regarding the regulatory framework for Energy Fiji Limited.

He affirmed that the FCCC has the authority to determine tariffs.

“Just to add, sir, under FCCC’s current rules, they set electricity pricing tariffs, which is likely what Honourable Kumar was referring to. Additionally, they now have the power to determine IPP pricing.”

Kamikamica also clarified that FCCC’s responsibilities extend to regulatory oversight of wiring and equipment standards, noting that technical certification requirements make EFL the more appropriate entity for certain regulatory functions.

Kumar also questioned why regulators were not based within the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, as mandated by recent amendments.

Additionally, she questioned the increased budget allocation for the FCCC.

In response, Finance Minister Biman Prasad justified the budget increase, citing the need to accommodate additional staffing in legal, customer service, financial analysis, environmental oversight, human resources, and advocacy roles.

He also noted that operational costs and maintenance had risen, necessitating the $645,000 budget increase.