NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) yesterday acknowledged that it occasionally relies on estimated meter readings but emphasized that this is not done for extended periods and only in cases where meters cannot be accessed.
The company’s comments came in direct response to concerns raised in Parliament on Wednesday by former Prime Minister and Killarney MP Dr. Hubert Minnis, who accused the utility of overcharging customers due to estimated billing practices.
BPL’s Director of Customer Service, Donahue Ferguson, clarified that customer billing is primarily based on actual meter readings taken monthly, and the company’s goal is to ensure fairness and accuracy in all cases.
“At Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd., customer billing is based on actual meter readings where available,” Ferguson said. “Meters are read monthly to determine the electricity consumption of our consumers.”
Ferguson explained that residential customers receive the first 200 units of electricity free, the next 600 units at a nominal rate, and any usage beyond 800 units at a higher rate.
“Consumers whose electricity usage tips over the 200-unit threshold tend to see a marked increase on their bills — especially if bill amounts reach over $400 — this is where value-added tax costs kick in,” Ferguson noted. “Regardless of any consumer’s consumption, the static fuel surcharge will always be reflected on electricity bills.”
Ferguson said estimated readings are used only when technicians cannot access meters due to circumstances such as locked gates, untied animals, or severe weather.
“We would like to note that BPL does engage in meter estimations occasionally, but we endeavor not to do so for prolonged periods,” Ferguson said. “If an error is found, whether due to a malfunctioning meter or another issue, we take corrective action, including adjusting the bill while consulting with our valued customers.”
Ferguson encouraged customers to contact BPL’s customer service team if they believe their bills are inaccurate. “We are committed to transparency and to working with our customers to resolve any concerns they may have,” Ferguson added.
Ferguson’s remarks followed criticism from Dr. Minnis, who told Parliament that several of his constituents in the Killarney constituency were hit with unusually high bills despite being away from home.
“Many individuals in the Killarney constituency had complained of outrageous electricity bills,” Minnis said. “Some individuals were out of town, but yet their bill went up fourfold while they were away and electricity was off.”
Dr Minnis said one constituent’s bill dropped from over $1,000 to $350 after providing BPL with their actual meter reading.
“I’ve asked those individuals to check with BPL because they may be estimating,” Minnis said. “Take a photo of your meter reading and write it down. Go to BPL and tell them, ‘This is my meter, this is the reading.’”
Dr Minnis added, “If they are still doing it, many Bahamians are being robbed. Stop it. Get your lazy self out and read the people’s meter. They need that extra $600 to pay for food, school fees, etc.”
BPL maintained that it remains committed to minimizing estimations and ensuring customers are billed accurately for their actual electricity consumption.
