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Electricity Bills nearly doubled as Fuel Factor Rate drives up bills

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, June 30, 2022 – An exponential rise in electricity costs is shocking Turks and Caicos residents who received their bills on Wednesday and because these bills are validated by the Energy and Utilities Commissioner before distribution, it means Government is aware of the increase which almost doubles power bills.

The warnings were issued earlier this year and now islanders are really feeling the blow.  Residents have shared their home energy bills with Magnetic Media with up to $ 200 and $ 300 jumps in cost and they are raising questions about these new bills and how they are tallied.

In several instances usage seems to be up nearly 200 kilowatt hours for a great deal of residents.  Just as concerning is the fact that the fuel factor is nearly as high as the actual electricity usage.  Several of the bills we saw showed the fuel factor charges nearly even with the actual usage, a double whammy if you will.

“The fuel factor rate (or power cost adjustment) is a mechanism used to recover the cost of fuel used to produce the electricity consumed by each customer.  It is calculated monthly, and is based on the fuel consumed for the specific period and determined by the actual price of fuel at the time it is purchased, from our supplier, Sun Oil Limited.” the Fortis TCI website explains.

Essentially this means your total bill is calculated by how much you have used and how much the fuel used to make your electricity costs.   A high fuel factor will put a heavy strain on pockets no matter how much residents conserve.

In March this year the government announced the Food and Fuel Tax break would be going to companies, who had the responsibility to share that with consumers.  Fortis TCI promised residents it would pass on the cut from the 2.5 percent Customs Processing Fee Break directly but said there was a possibility charges would still rise.

“Despite the TCI Government’s 2.5% reduction in the Customs Processing Fee (CPF) on imported products including fuel, electricity bills are likely to increase once oil prices continue to rise.  We believe it is important to share this information so you can prepare as much as possible.”  Fortis said.   “While the savings from the reduced CPF will be passed to customers, our fuel supplier, Sun Oil Ltd., has advised that fuel prices are projected to increase further over the next several months, which will cause an increase in the fuel factor.  This can outweigh the savings on your bill.”

By law FortisTCI is allowed to pass on that cost for fuel, whether that is an increase or a decrease, to consumers through the fuel factor, but that cost is not arbitrary, every month it is validated by the Office of the Energy and Utilities Commissioner to make sure the prices are accurate and fair to consumers.  This means the government is well aware of the rising costs consumers are facing.

FortisTCI had also promised to try to negotiate with Sun Oil for fuel at a reduced cost for more savings but it is unclear if the company, which is the nation’s power supplier was successful.   Regardless, as predicted the fuel factor has risen and the most FortisTCI says they or any consumer can do is conserve.  But with the fuel factor this high, and wages remaining stagnant, residents say there must be some kind of intervention.

Fortunately FortisTCI and residents are not the only ones with a stake in this.  The government, should they choose to, could give companies a greater reduction in the CPF which is currently a 5 percent tax down from 7.5 percent.

The government could also completely and temporarily discontinue its tax on fuel by the gallon.

FortisTCI has been contacted for a comment; the company informs it will issue a statement on the concerns today.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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