THE percentage of our people in Fiji that are now connected to the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) grid has increased to almost 80 per cent in 2017, compared to 63 per cent in 2007.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Jone Usamate revealed this in Parliament yesterday and said electricity could transform people’s lives, not just economically but also socially.
“According to the 2017 Census reports in that year, 96 per cent of our people had access to electricity, and this has increased by seven per cent from the Census that took place 10 years earlier,” Mr Usamate said.
“The increase in access to electricity contributes to the Government’s plans and commitments.
“Over the past five years, the Government has committed a total of $159.8million, almost a $160million for its Rural Electrification Programme that has benefited more than 25,000 households and approximately 100,000 individuals all across the country.”
Mr Usamate said one of the commitments of Government at present was to transform the energy sector by increasing a renewable energy mix to 100 per cent by 2036.
He said this was because the country needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our Honourable Prime Minister has got a strong target in terms of promoting the things that we need to do to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. The realisation of that target will allow Government to achieve its carbon emission reduction commitment.”
