APUA has warned that electricity costs in Antigua and Barbuda are rising due to higher global fuel prices. Meanwhile, consumers are already seeing increases in their monthly bills.

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority said the Fuel Variation Charge has gone up for May. It increased from 55 cents to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour.

As a result, the adjustment represents a rise of nearly 30 percent. APUA says international fuel prices caused the change.

Corporate Communications Officer Anazette Reynolds spoke on WTP Radio. She explained that global conditions continue to affect local electricity rates.

In addition, she said geopolitical tensions have influenced fuel prices. She also pointed to ongoing conflict involving Iran.

“We would have published the fuel variation rate for May,” Reynolds said. She added that the rate is higher than recent months.

The Fuel Variation Charge allows electricity rates to adjust with fuel costs. It was introduced in July 2024.

Meanwhile, Reynolds said part of the fuel cost is still subsidized. This helps reduce the impact on consumers.

However, she urged households to monitor their electricity usage. In particular, she advised caution during high-demand periods.

“The thing about electricity is that you can control your cost based on your usage,” she said. She encouraged energy-saving habits.

In addition, she warned that the summer season could increase electricity use. Higher temperatures often lead to more demand for cooling.

She also noted that school holidays may add to consumption. Children staying at home could increase electricity usage.

As a result, households may see higher bills if they do not manage usage carefully. Therefore, APUA is urging residents to conserve energy.

The increase comes as global energy prices remain unstable. Small island states continue to feel the impact of imported fuel costs.

Meanwhile, APUA says it will continue monitoring fuel trends. It also encourages consumers to adjust usage to manage expenses.