Residents Sound Off on Spike in Electricity Bills

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Residents are sounding off over what they describe as sharp increases in their electricity bills.

Coupled with frequent power outages and sweltering heat, many say this is not the summer they expected following promises of lower electricity bills and limited load shedding.

Our Joshua Williams took to the streets to find out how many residents have truly been affected.

Every year, the summer months bring a new wave of challenges.

For many residents, it’s a noticeable spike in their electricity bills.

Many have taken to social media, saying in some cases their bills have doubled.

So we took to the streets to find out if others have had the same experience.

This mother said that her bill has also skyrocketed.

Resident

“My bill normally ranges around $100. Now it’s doubled or tripled.”

“So much has been said on the news about bringing in generators and people from overseas, but nothing has changed. Everything remains the same.”

Terran Mackey says he also doesn’t know what’s behind the sharp increase.

Terran Mackey – Resident

“It was about $236 last pay cycle. Now it’s over $400.”

“I wasn’t expecting it to be that high. We didn’t add anything extra, so I don’t know. Maybe consumption because of the diesel charge, but that’s the only thing that could raise it a little bit.”

Despite touting lower electricity bills going forward, Bahamas Power and Light says the increase is due to higher electricity consumption caused by sweltering temperatures, noting that home appliances have to work harder.

But that explanation isn’t convincing to some residents.

Mr. Riley – Resident

“Nah, I don’t believe that. The heat has always been here, so it isn’t the heat.”

Ashton Thompson – Resident

“I think about our vulnerable citizens, our elderly and our children, who have to sit in the heat, especially during these hot summer days. I want answers for them.”

“Summer months are always a major problem for Bahamians, but we remain optimistic to see what transpires moving forward.”