Sears: No Rate Hike at BPL

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A recalled Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) press release has prompted a quick response from Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears, who revealed Cabinet has given no approval for an increase in electricity bills.

Jasmin Brown explains.

Sears’ comments came after BPL sent out a press release just before five pm on Monday, making a case for a hike in electricity bills.

Just under an hour later, that release was recalled by BPL CEO Whitney Heastie.

The release indicated BPL customers will experience a rise in fuel costs of 3.2 percent per kilowatt-hour beginning March 1st, 2022.

The release also cited a rise in global oil prices over the last 18 months, which now stands at over 100 dollars a barrel.

Sears says he was surprised by the move but admits he spoke with the current BPL chairman about the issue last week.

According to the Works and Utilities minister, the Davis administration is not turning a blind eye to the high price of energy in the country.

He says Cabinet sub-committee has also been set up to look into short-term and long-term fixes for energy costs.