The Ministry referenced past rate adjustments, noting that in 2020, GBPC introduced a 1% increase labeled as a ‘Storm Recovery and Stabilization Charge’ (SRS). This was followed by a 3.4% base rate increase in April 2022, approved by The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA). The Ministry contended that, with these recent increases still fresh in the minds of the public, the latest proposal by GBPC is simply “not acceptable.”
Additionally, the Ministry called on GBPC to improve its procedures for investigating and addressing claims of damage to household appliances and equipment resulting from frequent power outages, urging the company to reconsider the proposed increase given the hardships faced by the community and the inconsistent power supply.
The Ministry concluded by reiterating its stance against the proposed rate increase and urging GBPC to consider the challenges facing Grand Bahamians before proceeding with the proposal.
