News
Electricity Bills nearly doubled as Fuel Factor Rate drives up bills
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.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
-
News1 week agoBeaches Turks & Caicos shares dining etiquette training at Provo youth summer camp
-
News2 days agoBermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
-
News4 days agoSalt Cay Water Shortage Unresolved as Residents Question Promised Relief
-
Bahamas News2 days agoCBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players
-
Bahamas News2 days agoBahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday