The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) executive chairman said yesterday that 5,000 residential customers remain without electricity, as he announced a two-week amnesty on further home disconnections.

“The Corporation has decided to temporarily discontinue the disconnection of electricity supply to all residential customers due to non-payment,” Leslie Miller said.

“This means that for the next two weeks residential customers who are already burdened by high electricity bills will get some reprieve. While BEC will not be conducting disconnections for residential accounts during this period, customers should know that bills with overdue balances as of October 1, 2013, may be at risk of disconnection.

“This does not apply to any commercial customers; this is strictly for residential customers.”

Mr Miller urged customers whose electricity supply had been disconnected to come to the Corporation and work out a payment plan.

Back in June, BEC urged customers delinquent on their bills to pay off their arrears and, in exchange, gain a 10 per cent discount to be applied to the portion of their bill more than 60 days past due.

Residential consumers were encouraged to pay their bill in its entirety and on time for June, July and August, after which they would be given a 2 per cent discount.

Mr Miller said that initiative has been successful and will continue for the next two months.

Mr Miller said that due to the elimination of Customs duty on fuel, and the reduction in BEC’s overall fuel usage, the Corporation’s fuel charge would be reduced by 10-12 per cent.

He added that BEC had been able to achieve a 60/40 power generation split between its Clifton and Blue Hills power plant.

“Clifton Pier is now responsible for providing 60 per cent of the power generation in New Providence, and Blue Hills the other 40,” Mr Miller said.

“We would like to see that at 70/30. Between May and July of 2013, we were able to achieve a $6.6 million savings on fuel alone, a savings that was passed on directly the consumer. Coupled with the elimination of Customs duty on fuel and the reduction in the overall fuel usage, our efforts will lead to a 10-12 per cent reduction in the fuel charge. Customers will see an appreciable savings on their October bill.”

Mr Miller added: “Between May and July 2013 we have seen a consistent decline in overall fuel costs as compared to the same period last year.

“In addition to the cost reduction, we have improved reliability. The summer blackouts and load shedding were not experienced this summer, and residents for the most part enjoyed an uninterrupted supply for electricity.”

Mr Miller said BEC spent $386 million on fuel last year.