Interim hike now included in bills

Barbados Light & Power Company Ltd. customers should start seeing an increase in their electricity bills as the interim rate takes effect.

In a brief statement today, the utility company issued a reminder that the interim rate increase granted by the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) took effect on September 16.

At the same time, the company, which is currently engaged in a rate hearing as it seeks an 11.9 per cent increase, is giving the assurance that should it receive a rate hike that is lower than the interim rate of 5.95 per cent, customers would be reimbursed.

“The Barbados Light & Power Company Limited is announcing that in accordance with the Fair Trading Commission’s decision, which became effective September 16, 2022, the Commission determined that Light & Power’s request for interim rates has been approved, at a cap of 50 per cent of the requested rates for all customers, with the exception of rates to be charged to Light & Power employees for whom 100 per cent of the rate requested is approved,” said the company.

As a result, customers billed from September 16, 2022 will see the new rates reflected in their bills, the company said.

Manager of Customer Care Rodney Dottin said “During the last few days, our team has been reviewing the FTC’s decision to ensure that the actions carried out by the company are in keeping with the order. As such, some accounts billed from the September 16th order date will carry the new interim rates at the approved 50 per cent cap as mandated by the FTC.

“We understand the challenges which some persons face and assure customers that the company will continue to lend support to customers during this transition,” he added.

Dottin said “Our customers continue to be at the core of our operations. I wish to affirm our commitment that in the event the FTC sets a rate in its final determination that is lower than the approved interim rates, we will refund customers the difference between the interim rate and the final rate with interest.”

The new interim rates will remain in effect until a decision from the hearing is reached. BLPC insists that the increase would enable the company to maintain the electricity network and continue to provide a safe and reliable electricity service.
(PR)