The Commerce Commission has confirmed that some consumers will be exempted from paying the fuel surcharge on their electricity bills from next week.

Commission CEO, Miliana Racule confirmed the initial framework and conditions issued in the 2006 determination remains which include residential customers consuming 75 kilowatts or less per month will not be paying the fuel surcharge.

Racule said no fuel surcharge will be applied to institutions like primary and secondary schools and religious bodies.

The Commerce Commission announced yesterday that they have granted the FEA an increase in fuel surcharge rate from 2.83 cents per unit to 5.53 cents per unit effective from next Thursday.

However, FEA Chairman, Nizam Ud Dean confirmed they will be waiting for the interim government's directives after their cabinet meeting next week as there are indications that the fuel surcharge may be deferred.

Commission Chairman Charles Sweeney said that FEA had applied for increase in fuel surcharge on May 26th. He added that their decision is based on the escalating cost of fuel worldwide and its unavoidable impact on FEA's financial position. The Commission has urged businesses and households to minimize the use of electricity appliances and machinery. Sweeney also said that the Commission is aware that the cost of electricity is a cost borne by every business and individual in the country and it needs to be kept to an absolute minimum.