Bahamas: Residents protest against 6.3% proposed rate increase by power company

Grand Bahama, Bahamas: The concerned residents have gathered and are expressing disappointment on the base rate proposal that has been set by Grand Bahama Power Company. The residents are also being supported by the Grand Bahama Christian Council and both the organizations held a press conference in the southern community, yesterday.

During the press conference, President Kenneth Lewis, Grand Bahama Christian Council shared that the community believes that any sort of increase would affect the residents at this point.

The gathered people questioned the Grand Bahama Power Company over the proposed rate increase. The Coalition of Concerned Citizens and Grand Bahama Christian Council gathered at the Lewis Yard community to voice out their anger against the power company of the country.

Further, Pastor Eddie Victor who has been appointed as the President of the Coalition, he stated that the URCA being the regulator for the Bahamas must have the last say. He further added that as the Freeport is currently disputed due to the ongoing conflict of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

He also shared that he believes that the power company customers outside the city of Freeport which includes Mac Town, Smith’s Point, Mather Town, Eight Mile Rock and Pinder’s Point are exempted from the increase.

It is to be noted in 1993, and agreement was signed with the name of East and West End Agreement, after which Grand Bahama Port Authority received the regulatory control of the utilities that were outside the Freeport.

However, Pastor Victor stated that after the amendments in the Electricity Act in the years 2015 and 2024, the regulatory control has been shifted to the URCA.

To raise their voices against this price increase, a large group of people participated in the protest that was held outside the GBPC’s headquarters to share their concerns. The leaders stated that their organization would do everything possible to fight against the issue and help people get their concerns answered.

He further shared that everyone should complain to the URCA regarding the proposed increase announced by the GBPC.

The people present in the protest stated that if this increase gets approved it will be detrimental for the society as they are already struggling with the economy that has degraded after COVID-19.

It is to be noted that all this rage started after the Grand Bahama Power submitted the rate plan proposal to the Grand Bahama Port Authority. In the proposal the company has proposed a 6.3% base rate increase to maintain the operations. They further stated that the investment will also be made in the infrastructure and several renewable energy integrations will be done.