National

Dr. Darville To GBPC: Back Off!

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – As a potential 6.3% power rate hike looms for Grand Bahamians, the government swiftly steps in to defend residents, urging the Grand Bahama Power Company to reconsider.

Published

3 months ago

August 7, 2024

Berthony McDermott

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – As a potential 6.3% power rate hike looms for Grand Bahamians, the government swiftly steps in to defend residents, urging the Grand Bahama Power Company to reconsider.

A senior cabinet minister and former area MP is urging the power company to hold off on the increase, as he says residents cannot bear any additional costs.

The Davis administration is asking the Grand Bahama Power Company to reconsider a 6.3% rate increase amid constant power outages and an economy still struggling to rebound.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville, who is also a former area MP, says this latest ask by the power company follows a 3.4% rate increase granted in 2022.

In a statement Tuesday, Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey chastised the power company’s decision, calling it “wholly ill-conceived,” adding the power company is prioritizing profit over people.

GBPC recently filed a proposal with the Grand Bahama Port Authority requesting an increase in its base rates, which it said is just part of an effective fuel purchase strategy that will ultimately result in a lower cost for the majority of customers.

Asked if the decision to submit the request to the port authority instead of the Utilities Regulation Competition Authority (URCA) was a power play, Dr. Darville said:

“We believe this is not the right time for another increase. We understand the economic challenges facing the country, but we need to consider the impact on residents and businesses in Grand Bahama.”