Association applauds FTC ruling on BLPC, awaits final order

The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) says it is “encouraged” by the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) decision not to grant the island’s sole electricity company the full electricity rate increase it was seeking.

And it is “optimistically” awaiting the FTC’s final order outlining the rates that Barbados Light and Power Company (BLPC) customers will have to pay.

In a  brief statement issued on Tuesday, BARP applauded the intervenors in the matter for their tenacity, determination, and thorough representation of all Barbadians during the rate hearings that led to the FTC decision.

“We are pleased that the 7.47 per cent increase previously granted will remain. This is a testament to the power of advocacy, one of BARP’s strategic pillars in our continued lobby for elevating the quality of life for our members and allowing them to live an independent life with dignity,” it said.

Last week Monday, the FTC said Barbadians will hear before Christmas how much more they will have to pay for electricity, after dismissing the BLPC’s request that it alter its February 15, 2023 orders required the power company to recalculate its rate data on which its 11.9 per cent rate increase request was based.

“The BLPC’s motion for the review and variation of the commission’s decision dated February 15, 2023, is dismissed. The commission will now formally review the applicant’s compliance filing, require amendments as necessary and thereafter issue the final order outlining rates,” chairman of the rate hearing Dr Donley Carrington had told a press conference.
(BT)