Barbados Light and Power Company's Temporary Rate Increase Criticized by Consumers Ahead of Holiday Season

Barbadian consumers have criticised the Fair Trading Commission’s decision to grant the Barbados Light and Power Company (BLPC) a temporary rate increase, just weeks before the holiday season.

The increase will come as BLPC passes on the rental and operation costs of 11-megawatt generator units to consumers through the Fuel Clause Adjustment. Although the FTC has not indicated yet how much the increase will be, it said “the proposed rate adjustment will result in a modest increase in monthly bills”.

The move has left many frustrated, as they are already struggling with the high cost of living.

One consumer, who gave her name only as Jewel, expressed frustration with the lack of competition. “It’s unfortunate because Barbadians are struggling as it is. We can’t even live a decent lifestyle, and an increase in electricity [costs] will hamper a lot of Bajans.”

She hopes for government intervention: “I don’t think it’s fair. I don’t know how much the government can step in, but I really would hope that some sort of competition will come in to eradicate the monopoly.”

She also fears the impact of higher electricity rates on other utilities. “There will always be a trickle-down effect because the pumps depend on power, and Flow depends on power to run their servers. You will always have a trickle-down effect. So it would increase the cost of living right throughout the spectrum,” she said.

Dario, a father, is concerned about the rise in bills as well. “In this time period, with the economy the way it is, nobody wants any addition to the bills at this point…. But, I mean, everything is going up all the time; we aren’t getting any break. A one per cent, two per cent, or three per cent increase in salaries doesn’t really offset the changes when everything else is compounded on you.”

Marva, another consumer, voiced her agitation over the burden placed on the public. “To be honest, I don’t think the Barbadian public can afford it. The cost of living is just way too high. I understand that companies still need to make a profit, but sometimes I think they need to be a bit more mindful of who they’re serving. Unfortunately, we don’t have a choice because we don’t have another company we can go to—they have a monopoly.”

Kerry Lucas, another consumer, questioned the timing of the FTC’s decision.

“I think that it’s quite unfair, you know. We’re going into the Christmas period, and I think that’s why they are doing this too. They want to capitalise on this, and it’s not fair to the Barbadian public,” he contended.

Sandra, a mother, was resigned to the announcement: “There’s nothing you can do. I can only reduce my electricity usage, but that’s all I can do. I have no control over what they charge.”

(LG)