Utilities of Fiji

utilities

Power

Fiji produces nearly all of its electricity via two sources – hydroelectricity and oil. Hydroelectricity provides just below 60 per cent of the power generated in the country, while oil-based generation provides about 40 per cent; the remaining generation comes from wind, solar and biomass.

The government-owned Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) is responsible for generating and providing power. The largest power stations in Fiji are hydroelectric dams in Wailoa and Monasavu, and geothermal power stations at Kinoya and Vuda. The only other power generators in the country are Tropik Woods and Fiji Sugar Corporation, which sell any surplus they generate to the FEA.

Fiji does not produce oil or gas, and as a result the country requires imports to meet its power demand, importing most of its oil from Singapore. However, the government has recently granted licenses to three companies for exploration rights in the country’s sovereign waters – these companies are Akura Fiji, South Pacific Petroleum and Gas, and Seo Tuinaivalu.

 

Water

Since 2010, the Fiji Water Authority has been responsible for providing water and sewage services. This body is known as a ‘commercial statutory authority’ that receives money from, and is responsible to, the government. Some 98 per cent of the population uses an improved drinking water source and 83 per cent have adequate sanitation facilities (2010).

 

Telecoms

Prior to 2007, telecoms in Fiji were dominated by three monopolies – Telecom Fiji provided landline connectivity; mobile services were provided by Vodafone Fiji; and Fintel was the sole provider of international connectivity. Since the passing of the 2007 Telecommunications Bill, which liberalised the telecoms sector, large multinational corporations including Digicel and Inkk Mobile have opened operations in the country; smaller internet providers such as Kidanet, Unwired Fiji and Fintel have also flourished. The IT Advisory Council regulates this industry with the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji.