The Commerce Commission will now undertake a detailed inquiry into the finances and operations of the Fiji Electricity Authority following submissions by FEA for an increase in tariff rates.

Commission Chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy confirmed that a team, headed by a finance person and accountants will begin their work tomorrow and look into the financials of FEA over the last 10 years, the operating expenditure of FEA over the last 10 years, the personnel emoluments, consultancy activities and FEA’s investment activities.

Dr Reddy said electricity is a very important and critical input in all spheres of Fiji’s economy and getting prices right is critical to promoting a competitive economy and also ensuring that the resources is not subject to inefficient use.

Dr Reddy will oversee the team’s work from tomorrow and the report is expected to take four weeks.

The Commerce Commission chairman said they intend to make the report public.


Story by: Roneel Lal