News
Rocketing Electricity Bills; FortisTCI tries public education to soften the blow
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, August 4, 2022 – Electricity prices will rise significantly this month according to power company Fortis TCI. In an email to customers the company explained that the fuel factor for the July cycle had spiked across the island.
The company said consumers would be facing double digit increases in the fuel factor rate on their newest bills, which came as July turned to August.
“Fuel price increases in June mean an increase in the fuel factor rate, which will be reflected on your next electricity bill. Your July electricity bill will reflect a Fuel Factor charge of $0.2950 per kilowatt hour for Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos. This is 22.66% higher than last month.”
The increase was slightly lower for Grand Turk and Salt Cay landing at $0.2461, which is 19.88% higher than last month. Last month’s bills were also higher than normal due to rising fuel costs.
FortisTCI sought to sooth residents’ fears about how consumption was calculated stemming from the June increases in an interview aired on Radio Turks and Caicos.
Alvejes Desir, Director of Energy Production said technology upgrades allowed them to do automated meter reads every 15-minutes. This he said meant the consumption was not estimated and customers could read their own meters and compare it to their bills. The meters are also tested and certified, said the director.
Additionally FortisTCI clarified the calculation of the total bills based on the fuel factor and electric rates.
Aisha Laporte, Vice President of Finance, Corporate services and CFO explained that bills are calculated by
multiplying the residents consumption (quoted in kilowatt hours) by the electric rate and by fuel factor rate. Electric costs include the machinery used to actually make and get the electricity to customers while the fuel factor is the cost of fuel used. The electric rate remains steady while the fuel factor changes monthly. Both the electric and fuel factor rates are both vetted by the TCIG.
The rising electricity bills, Laporte explained were dictated by rising oil prices. Diesel is used to run the electricity generators. That diesel is procured from the United States so changes in cost will trickle down
“Russia does supply the US with oil as well— we’ve seen where the Russia Ukraine conflict has caused disruptions with the supply chain— that has contributed to the increase in demand on one hand and restricted supply on the other.”
Additionally the company said that there may be about a month long lag in fuel prices regularly because of the long journey that oil from the US must take before it gets to the Turks and Caicos, Fortis TCI also has a first in first out policy when it comes to oil so that also affects the lag in prices.
Rising temperatures in the summer months played a role in rising costs of electricity according to Laporte. To help they encouraged residents to use the my online account feature, because of the 15-minute readings. Residents can see their consumption in real time.
“We have a smart meter tab that’s on the left-hand side. Once you login and click that tab immediately a graph shows up with your daily usage in addition to that you can click on each day and it will show you your hour by hour consumption,” said Nicquel Garland, Manager of Customer Service
In addition Garland said customers could set a consumption limit and would receive a notification when they got to that limit. Customers can also get percentage notifications so when their current usage gets to 50% etc. of their previous month’s bill they will get a notification.
All data is stored so whenever you sign up all your previous data will be available.
This is an incredibly powerful tool for consumption management and Fortis says with the Ukraine crisis dragging on and the world still recovering from COVID-19 consumption is the key to bill reduction.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
