FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA — Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) and Marco City MP Michael Pintard, along with East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson and Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis, paid a courtesy call on executives of the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Chief Operating Officer Nikita Mullings, Vice President of Operations Toni Seymour and Director of Communications Cleopatra Russell welcomed the Parliamentarians while President Dave McGregor joined by Zoom.
The courtesy call came on the heels of the recent 3.3 percent increase in electricity base rates to GBPC consumers, which received widespread pushback from various sectors of the Grand Bahama community.
In discussions held on the matter, the FNM parliamentarians outlined the concerns of their constituents as well as the business community.
They spoke to the importance of all stakeholders being actively involved in lessening the socioeconomic burden of Grand Bahama residents at a time when the island is already challenged.
GBPC officials welcomed the concerns brought forward by the FNM parliamentarians, while also informing that an increase in electricity rates had not taken place in more than 10 years.
The Parliamentarians also noted that the devastation brought about by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic have had a devastating impact on many families, resulting in many heads of households becoming unemployed. In light of this, GBPC executives were asked to consider heightening efforts to educate members of the public about payment plan options for the many households that are now without electricity, which the executives agreed to look into.
GBPC executives took the opportunity to also outline several initiatives designed to help customers lower their power bills, indicating that they were committed to intensifying their education campaign.
The 3.3 percent increase in electricity base rates was just one of several matters discussed with GBPC executives. Both parties agreed to continue discussions on a wide range of issues, while also agreeing to the possibility of collaborating on various community initiatives.
Pintard stated: “We thought it necessary to visit executives of GB Power, as has been done previously, to bring forth the plight of business owners and Grand Bahama residents regarding electricity costs.
“There also remains a significant grouping of families who are without power in their homes and they too continue to reach out for help as many of those heading various households are unemployed and finding it difficult to live in such conditions.”
Thompson and Lewis agreed that there is much work to be done, while indicating that as representatives within their constituencies, they are both committed to furthering discussions with GBPC officials on a myriad of concerns in the months to come.
McGregor noted: “We value our relationship with our customers and key stakeholders such as the business community as well as local and central government representatives.
“GBPC will continue to work with all stakeholders to the benefit of residents.”
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