NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) yesterday acknowledged that recent customer disconnections had caused “significant frustration and disruption,” pledging to pause all shutoffs for the remainder of the week while it reviews its internal processes.
In a statement, the utility said its normal practice is to provide clear communication before disconnections for non-payment, but admitted that “this step was not executed in this instance.” GBPC apologized to customers and said it will ensure notice is properly communicated ahead of any future disconnections once the pause ends.
“We know how important reliable electricity is to every household and business, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused,” the company said. GBPC added that payment plan options remain available for customers facing financial challenges, encouraging them to contact its customer service team.
The company said its priority is to “work alongside our community to find solutions, keep customers connected, and ensure reliable power for all.”
But critics of GBPC said the disconnection controversy highlights deeper concerns about the utility’s monopoly and rising costs.
Pastor Eddie Victor, president of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens (CCC), used a Facebook Live broadcast to argue that poor decision-making at GBPC has left residents paying record–high fuel surcharges.
“This is the result of a badly managed power company,” Pastor Victor said. “They have hijacked the fuel surcharge, increasing it so severely that the fuel charge is now more than the actual electricity rate. That is outrageous.”
He pointed to what he described as “catastrophic failures” of four major generation units due to years of inadequate maintenance. “Now the company is buying more diesel, and customers are paying more in fuel costs than it actually takes to cover the company’s operations. That should not be,” he said.
Victor also shared footage of long lines at GBPC’s customer service center, with vehicles backed up into the street. “Look at this — the parking lot is full, the drive-thru line is full, cars are parked in the road. This shouldn’t happen, not in Grand Bahama,” he said.
Calling for a competitive energy market, Victor said residents should lodge formal complaints with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA). “We need a new power company to take over this operation,” he declared. “Grand Bahamians deserve affordable, reliable electricity service. It’s time we stood together and put a stop to this madness.”
