BVI Announces $2.5 Million Electricity Relief

The British Virgin Islands government has allocated a further US$2.5 million for electricity subsidies through the end of the year.

Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer disclosed the additional funding, which Cabinet approved through a Schedule of Additional Provisions.

The new allocation follows electricity relief announced for August and September after consumers complained about sharp increases in their bills.

Rymer said the government had previously provided about $1 million per month under its three-month subsidy programme. He said concerns became clear when customers received their August bills.

“When the August bills came out, there was that outrage,” Rymer said during a local radio programme late Wednesday.

Rymer explained that customers had been shocked by their electricity costs after receiving subsidies in previous months. He contacted the Minister of Finance, after which the government announced credits and subsidies for August and September.

The latest funding will extend electricity assistance in the British Virgin Islands through the remaining months of the year, including the Christmas period.

Rymer also noted that the government has provided electricity relief around Christmas for the past three or four years.

In August, the government announced that it would credit customers’ August electricity bills and apply a subsidy to September bills.

The BVI Electricity Corporation had already distributed the August bills and could not withdraw them. Instead, the corporation promised to adjust customers’ accounts to reflect the relief.

At the time, Rymer attributed the higher electricity costs to July fuel prices rather than increased electricity tariffs or changes to the corporation’s base rates. He also pointed to investment in solar energy as the government’s longer-term response to dependence on imported diesel.

During Wednesday’s programme, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the British Virgin Islands government must balance revenue collection with concessions and spending to help residents manage higher costs.

Wheatley said officials would continue monitoring the situation and assessing measures to soften the impact of inflation.

He said the additional subsidy would provide assistance to residents during the fourth quarter and Christmas period.

Wheatley also called for greater use of solar energy to reduce exposure to external price increases.

The British Virgin Islands government has allocated a further US$2.5 million for electricity subsidies through the end of the year.

Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer disclosed the additional funding, which Cabinet approved through a Schedule of Additional Provisions.

The new allocation follows electricity relief announced for August and September after consumers complained about sharp increases in their bills.

Rymer said the government had previously provided about $1 million per month under its three-month subsidy programme. He said concerns became clear when customers received their August bills.

“When the August bills came out, there was that outrage,” Rymer said during a local radio programme late Wednesday.

Rymer explained that customers had been shocked by their electricity costs after receiving subsidies in previous months. He contacted the Minister of Finance, after which the government announced credits and subsidies for August and September.

The latest funding will extend electricity assistance in the British Virgin Islands through the remaining months of the year, including the Christmas period.

Rymer also noted that the government has provided electricity relief around Christmas for the past three or four years.

In August, the government announced that it would credit customers’ August electricity bills and apply a subsidy to September bills.

The BVI Electricity Corporation had already distributed the August bills and could not withdraw them. Instead, the corporation promised to adjust customers’ accounts to reflect the relief.

At the time, Rymer attributed the higher electricity costs to July fuel prices rather than increased electricity tariffs or changes to the corporation’s base rates. He also pointed to investment in solar energy as the government’s longer-term response to dependence on imported diesel.

During Wednesday’s programme, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the British Virgin Islands government must balance revenue collection with concessions and spending to help residents manage higher costs.

Wheatley said officials would continue monitoring the situation and assessing measures to soften the impact of inflation.

He said the additional subsidy would provide assistance to residents during the fourth quarter and Christmas period.

Wheatley also called for greater use of solar energy to reduce exposure to external price increases.

2 Key Points

• US$2.5 million added for electricity relief
• Subsidies continue through December

Short Summary

The British Virgin Islands has approved an additional US$2.5 million for electricity subsidies through year-end.

Caption

The British Virgin Islands extends electricity relief through year-end.

Tags

British Virgin Islands, BVI, Electricity, Electricity Subsidy, Kye Rymer, Natalio Wheatley, Energy Relief, Utility Bills, Cost of Living, Caribbean News, Dadli News