URCA: We Will Use Every Avenue of The Law

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – One day after the Grand Bahama Port Authority revealed it is considering sanctioning the rate increase proposed by the power company, the Utilities Regulator and Competition Authority hit back saying it will use all avenues available under the law to enforce compliance with the Electricity Act and the Natural Gas Act.

It comes amid an ongoing court battle over who is the regulator of electricty in The bahamas.

The recently passed Electricity Act names URCA as the regulator of electricity for the entire country.

On Thursday, the prime minister threw his support behind the authority.

In a statement, the GBPA launched a 45-day public consultation to gather feedback from stakeholders on the application.

The GBPC is seeking a 6.3% hike to its base rate.

Peeved Grand Bahamians took to the streets, protesting their outrage over the issue. It came as residents were plagued with constant power outages in recent weeks. 

One of those protests was led by Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard who says they’re still trying to meet with both sides on the vexing issue.

Pintard made it clear the FNM which holds three of the five seats in Grand Bahama will not support a hike in the north.

He also blasted URCA for its handling of the other islands under its purview electricity in Grand Bahama given their track record in the rest of The Bahamas.