In Vanuatu’s Official Gazette No. 60, published on 11 July 2025, a small but powerful notice — Notice No. 78 of 2025 — quietly updated the price of electricity in Port Vila. This monthly notice doesn’t come from Parliament, but it still affects what every household, business, and utility customer pays for electricity across the country.
And for July 2025, the electricity price for Port Vila, charged by UNELCO Engie, remains unchanged at 61.66 vatu per kilowatt-hour — the same rate as June 2025.
Electricity Prices as of July 2025
Here’s a summary of the current regulated electricity tariffs by utility and region, sourced from URA’s latest data:
| Utility / Region | Unit | Price (Vatu) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNELCO Engie (Port Vila) | Vatu/kWh | 61.66 | 10 June 2025 |
| VUI – Santo, Vanua Lava, Ambae, Maewo | Vatu/kWh | 58.93 | 10 July 2025 |
| VANPAWA – Tanna, Malekula | Vatu/kWh | 64.89 | 01 October 2023 |
| Loltong Mini-Grid (Pentecost) | Vatu/kWh | 78.06 | 21 May 2024 |
| Wintua/Lorlow Electrical Cooperative (Southwest Bay, Malekula) | Vatu/kWh | 51.00 | 26 June 2024 |
So if you’re in Port Vila, your electricity is charged at 61.66 vatu/kWh, effective from June 10, and remains active for July 2025.
What About Water Prices?
The URA also regulates some water providers. Here’s the latest breakdown:
| Provider / Area | Unit | Price (Vatu) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNELCO Engie (Port Vila) | Vatu/m³ | 91.28 | 05 February 2025 |
| Department of Water Resources (Rural supply) | Vatu/m³ | 52.00 | 24 June 2014 |
| Teouma Water Supply | Vatu/m³ | 186.00 | 23 July 2024 |
| Green Lake Water Supply | Vatu/m³ | 160.00 | July 2024 |
| Bellevue/Beverly Hills (Estate/Garden) | Vatu/m³ | 103.41 | 10 August 2023 |
| Bellevue Park Hills Area | Vatu/m³ | 120.00 | 10 August 2023 |
| Bukura Water Supply | Vatu/m³ | 110.00 | 25 July 2015 (Pending review) |
Why Prices Change Monthly
Electricity prices change every month for good reason:
- Vanuatu relies heavily on imported fuel. Prices fluctuate globally.
- The URA uses a fixed formula to calculate adjustments based on fuel costs, inflation, and exchange rates.
- Regular updates help avoid sudden price shocks by spreading changes gradually.
This ensures that prices reflect current costs, rather than being delayed by political decisions or outdated pricing.
Is It Fair?
Yes. The system is designed to protect both consumers and providers.
- Consumers benefit from transparency, stability, and a price ceiling.
- Providers avoid operating at a loss due to outdated pricing.
The URA’s independence means politicians don’t control prices — and utilities can’t set them arbitrarily.
How This Affects You
If you live in Port Vila or another service area:
- Your July 2025 bill reflects the most current tariff.
- The URA ensures that no one is overcharged beyond the legal limit.
- Businesses and families alike can budget more accurately thanks to monthly transparency.
Final Word
The electricity price you pay this month isn’t set by a politician or negotiated behind closed doors — it’s the result of a regulated, transparent, and legally binding process.
And that Gazette notice? It may look boring — but it’s part of how Vanuatu keeps electricity affordable and fair, one month at a time.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official legal, financial, or regulatory advice. The electricity and water tariffs mentioned are based on publicly available data from the Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) and other government sources as of July 2025. While we strive for accuracy, readers should consult the Official Gazette of Vanuatu or the URA website for the most current and legally binding tariff notices. We are not affiliated with any utility provider or government agency. Always verify information directly with official sources before making financial or business decisions.
Mattdotvu 
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