ELECTRICITY

ELECTRICITY

NEW ELECTRICAL LICENCE FOR INSTALLATION AND GENERATION

Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) was appointed the independent regulator for the electrical sector, under the section 5(1) of the electricity act. FCCC is responsible of issuing the Generation, Transmission and Supply Licences to operators in the electricity sector. With the Fijian government commitment to renewable energy, FCCC supports renewable energy projects, and ensures that all projects in the renewable energy sector fully benefits the island nation as these are sustainable and green house friendly.

Electricity Act 2017

The Electricity Act 2017 (Electricity Act) enables the creation of opportunities for independent power producers to supply electricity if it is economically viable and beneficial for Fiji and its consumers, ensuring system integrity. It also aims to enhance competition, efficiency, and consumer services in the electricity industry by appointing an independent regulator. On 30 September 2019, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) was appointed as the regulator for the purposes of carrying out the functions assigned or transferred to the regulator by the Electricity Act. The FCCC is empowered to make regulations, grant licences, and take necessary actions to ensure the industry’s efficient operation.

Regarding licensing, the Electricity Act covers the issuance of licences for electricity generation to supply premises or enable such supply. The FCCC oversees licensing for electrical installation and generation services, including Solar Grid and Off-Grid Systems, Standalone Generator Systems, and Back-up Generator Systems. Additionally, it provides guidance on effective and safe electrical installations in line with AS/NZS3000 Standards.

Act-17-Electricity

Electricity Regulations 2019

The Electricity Regulations 2019 in Fiji are part of the regulatory framework governing the country’s electricity sector. Key elements include:

  1. Licensing and Standards: The regulations set out requirements for obtaining licenses for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. They establish operational standards to ensure safety, reliability, and quality of electricity services.
  2. Consumer Protection: They include provisions to safeguard consumer interests, ensuring fair practices and transparent pricing in the electricity market.
  3. Regulatory Oversight: They provide a framework for the Electricity Regulatory Authority to monitor and enforce compliance with regulations, ensuring that electricity providers adhere to required standards and practices.
  4. Grid Access and Competition: The regulations aim to facilitate fair access to the electricity grid and promote competition within the sector, which can lead to improved services and innovation.

These regulations are crucial for maintaining a reliable and efficient electricity supply in Fiji while promoting fair competition and consumer protection.

The fees for licence issue are as per the Electricity Regulations 2019 (schedule 1), the table below shows the fees breakdown as per system size.

LN 8890 Electricity Regulations 2019

Generation Licence

The generation licence is valid for a period of five (5) years and the annual fees to be paid for a period of the same.

Conditions for Generation Licence

  • The generation licence does not give approval for retail of electricity to consumers, for IPP’s, FCCC needs a copy of the transmission and distribution details with PPA to approve the retails of electricity to consumers. (Note: this is only applicable to Off Grid systems).
  • The licence is for installing and maintaining the site – site maintenance of the installation infrastructure is important as the efficiency of the system depends on this factor and provides the return on investment to the consumer.
  • The licence shall not be assigned or transferred unless the consent of the FCCC is obtained in writing.

Application Process

Step 1: Lodgment of Application

Step 2: Review of Application

Step 3: Conditional Authorisation given on successful review

Step 4: Invoice provided upon site inspection request

Step 5: Site inspection carried out by Technical Team, upon payment remittance recieved

Step 6: Upon successful site inspection, the Generation Licence would be dispatched upon necessary approvals from management

Licenses Application Form

Licenses Application Checklist

Application Guidelines

  1. Applicant details – the name of the applicant or business.
  • The name of the applicant or business to be filled as stated in the TIN or business registration details.
  1. TIN details and Business registration.
  • For residential users – the TIN letter or TIN ID copy to be submitted.
  • For commercial or business users – the TIN letter of the company and business registration needs to have the same details and all the latest documents of these need to be submitted.
  • For private businesses (PTE) – the details of the private business and the details of the subsidiary company, applicant of the generation licence, to be provided as well. (Note for these businesses if there are no other subsidiary companies, this should be provided in writing to FCCC in the application).
  1. List of Company directors – for business applicants.
  • If there is only One person on the director role of a company, this could be stated in the application form, utilize section 1.3, (details could be filled after the address details as, only one director: Mr. X). If there are more than one director than a separate documents providing the names of all directors needs to be submitted.
  1. Recent Copy of EFL bill for the installation site.
  • If the site is new, then please could be stated when the application is made for review.
  1. Certified Copy of Land title or rental agreement.
  • The land title or rental agreement copy needs to be certified by a JP, unless original copies are attached.
  • The rental agreement submitted needs to be signed by the landlord and the tenant before submission.
  1. Certified copy of electrical contractor and wiremen licence.
  • The electrical contractor and wiremen licence copy needs to be certified by a JP and then attached to the application.
  • All licences need to be valid during the time the application is made, the dates should be clear in the copies submitted.
  • NOTE: if during the installation the contractor details change, then a formal letter should be submitted to FCCC stating why there was a change, and the application form needs to be amended as well.
  1. Manufacturer Technical Datasheet of the Electrical equipment’s related to the type of installation.
  • Generator – a datasheet highlighting the Genset size, frequency and voltage type, needs to be submitted. For standby generators, the standby system size is applicable. This needs to be same as in the detailed electrical drawing and when filled in section 2.5 of the form.
  • Solar – the CEC (clean energy council) details of all equipment (inverter, batteries and Panel) need to be submitted, if CEC details are not available then ISO standard certificates of this equipment need to be submitted. If both CEC and ISO standard certificates are available, then submit both. (snips of the Part No/Serial No from the CEC website to be submitted).
  1. Detailed Electrical Drawing.
  • The electrical drawing submitted should be detailed, highlighting the below details.
  • Cable size
  • MEN system
  • Protection system size
  • Inverter, Panel rating and Battery size
  • ATS rating
  • The drawing to be properly labelled as well, stating the total system size and client name.

NOTE – when filling in the application form, no section to remain empty. If the required details are not applicable, then N/A to be written and for attached documents write refer attached. Section 2.5, supply system needs to be filled out, even though the details are attached. If any amendments are made to the form upon submission, then get the client to sign again with the latest date.

Invoicing Process

Below are the states the steps in requesting for an invoice for the Generation licence fees.

  1. Upon the successful site installation works, the electrical contractor requests a site inspection in written to the FCCC.
  2. FCCC would request for all details on whom the invoice would be issued, upon the correct details provided, like Name, whom to address and Address of the client.
  3. Once the invoice is received by Finance, the technical inspector will email the invoice copy to the client.
  4. For payment remittance, highlight the Invoice Number in the remittance copy and forward this to the FCCC as well.
  5. Once the fees have been paid, the FCCC will carry out a site inspection.

All fees are as per the Electricity Regulations 2019, as per the fee’s breakdown above. If any amendments are made to these fees, then the FCCC will inform clients.

Final Approval of Generation Licence

All Electrical Generation Licence are endorsed by the FCCC.