Senator Jonathan Wehner has criticized the government over rising electricity costs in Antigua and Barbuda.

His comments came after the Antigua Public Utilities Authority increased its fuel variation charge for May.

Moreover, Wehner argued that years of delays on renewable energy projects have left residents paying more for electricity.

Speaking in a social media post on Friday, the opposition senator said consumers now face the effects of government inaction.

“It is always sad when the people pay for a government’s failure to deliver on its promises,” Wehner stated.

According to the senator, the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party has promised major renewable energy investments since 2014.

However, he claimed the country still depends heavily on fossil fuels after more than a decade.

As a result, Wehner said households and businesses now face higher living costs because of rising fuel prices.

The criticism followed reports that APUA raised the fuel variation charge by 70 cents per kilowatt hour for May.

APUA linked the increase to higher global fuel costs tied to electricity generation.

Meanwhile, the fuel variation charge was first introduced in July 2024. The charge changes periodically based on movements in international oil prices.

Wehner argued that stronger investment in solar and wind energy could have reduced the country’s dependence on imported fuel.

In addition, he said renewable energy projects may have helped shield consumers from rising electricity bills.

The senator also questioned the effectiveness of previous renewable energy programmes supported by the government.

Furthermore, he called for greater accountability and transparency regarding the impact of those initiatives.

Public concern over electricity costs has also continued to grow across Antigua and Barbuda. Many residents and businesses already face rising expenses in other areas.

Therefore, the latest increase in utility charges has added to wider concerns about the cost of living.

Wehner said the country needs meaningful progress on renewable energy to avoid continued exposure to volatile oil prices.

Overall, the senator argued that long-promised energy reforms have not delivered the results many consumers expected.