GB advocacy group urges consumers to pressure regulator against power company’s rate increase application

GB advocacy group urges consumers to pressure regulator against power company’s rate increase application
Eddie Victor, president, Coalition of Concerned Citizens.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Grand Bahama advocacy group has launched a campaign to urge Grand Bahama Power Company customers to advocate for its regulator to deny its rate adjustment application.

Paster Eddie Victor, head of the Coalition for Concerned Citizens, addressed a virtual town meeting on Tuesday night.

“We have to draw a line in the sand. Never has this company talked about bringing down the rates,” Victor said.

“Sadly a lot of businesses are struggling on Grand Bahama and even the successful ones are finding it hard to survive when electricity becomes such a considerable cost. Some want to do more for their staff but they can’t.”

“This rate application is coming at a time when the Grand Bahama economy is struggling to stay afloat. We are going to do everything within our means and in our power to fight against this rate in case,” said Victor.

He added: “We are asking everyone to take the time to call or send an email to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and tell them you’re calling to have your voice heard that you want the regulator to vote no on an increase in power rates.”

The government has already announced that it has established a Cabinet committee to review and address the Grand Bahama Power Company’s (GBPC) rate increase proposal.

The GBPC has stated that as part of its regulatory framework agreement, it has filed its first rate adjustment application since 2015 with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

The company said the filing addresses two main topics: the requirement for an increase in base rates to maintain its operations going forward, and a generation plan that would see 15 percent of the island’s electricity needs fuelled by renewable energy by 2026, bringing greater energy diversification and independence.