Bahamas News
Delay no more, Electricity Bills to increase in The Bahamas; Business community reacts
By Sherrica Thompson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, October 6, 2022 – Tourism stakeholders in the Bahamas are expressing concerns over the government’s approval for the Bahamas Power and Light Company (BPL) to increase its fuel charge.
The increase comes after the government had promised Bahamians on several occasions that there would be no increase in electricity prices.
President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Robert “Sandy” Sands released a statement about the issue. Sands said that many are anxious, and some are at a loss as to how they will be able to accommodate the increase in the cost of operations.
“We have fielded feedback from stakeholders ranging from significant apprehension to outright anxiety as some have
The BHTA president said: “This is very alarming, particularly for commercial consumers, which encompasses all facets of business owners and operators as they have finally begun to see the sustained recovery of their respective businesses. It is important to remember, at a stage where the potential for growth-beyond-recovery seems imminent; the surety of a successful return to financial viability will be susceptible to disruption or even derailment because of these increases.”
The BHTA noted that it is seeking the government’s urgent assistance in softening the impact on businesses in The Bahamas, particularly the tourism sector.
The association also encourages the Government to “consider offering VAT relief applied to the fuel surcharge; beyond the newly announced threshold.”
The increase was announced by Phillip Davis, Bahamas Prime Minister on Tuesday, October 4, during a special press conference, where he explained that the government could not delay the increase any longer.
Customers using less than 800kWh will see an increase of two cents p/kWh, and those using more power will see an increase of 4.3 cents p/kWh.