FCCC appointed as Independent Regulator for the electricity sector

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission have been appointed as the Independent Regulator for the electricity sector under Section 5(1) of the Electricity Act.

FCCC Chief Executive Officer, Joel Abraham says they will be in charge of regulating existing electricity operators such as Energy Fiji Limited as well as newer entrants into the sector like Sunergise Fiji Limited.

Abraham says they will be responsible for issuing the Generation, Transmission and Supply Licenses to operators in the electricity sector.

He says this means existing operators like EFL and new applicants will have to apply with them for licenses and failure to do so will result in a fine of $5000 for individuals and 2 percent of annual gross revenue for corporate bodies.

Abraham says other than the issuance of licenses to operators, they will also be handling settlement of possible disputes between new entrants to the sector and EFL, as well as certification and testing of imported electrical appliances and fittings in collaboration with the Department of Standards and Weights.

He says FCCC has already regulated certain aspects of the electricity sector in the past as seen in the recent electricity tariff review.

Abraham says the benefit of this past experience and consultation and collaboration with the Government and EFL, FCCC is confident in their capacity to handle this new role.

He says they will be working closely with both the Government and EFL to ensure that the transition of duties goes smoothly.

Abraham also mentioned that certain functions would remain with the EFL under the oversight of FCCC.

He says EFL will still be responsible for things like electrical installation inspections and compliance, subject to periodic reports to the FCCC.

Abraham says they are currently working on a Memorandum of Agreement with EFL to ensure this outsourcing is done in an accountable and transparent manner.

He says EFL will continue to be responsible for compliance with the enforcement of technical codes and licensing of Electrical Contractors and Wiremen as well as metre testing.

FCCC will monitor metre testing to ensure it is done properly.

The CEO says this change is in line with Fiji’s 5 and 20‑year National Development Plan that intends to develop and transform the way infrastructure and essential services in Fiji operate to be more efficient and accountable to Fijians.

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