News
FortisTCI contemplates next move; Industry Hikes not unusual
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, April 7, 2024 – Following the reveal of March 2024 bills several customers across the Turks and Caicos are complaining that their electricity payments are much higher than usual citing increases of up to $100 however, FortisTCI the country’s electricity provider says it has no knowledge or complaints of any such hikes.
“My light bill is almost $100” said one resident.
When we shared the concerns with Fortis they said, “FortisTCI has not received any concerns or queries from customers regarding an unusual change in their electricity bills. The fuel factor rate for the month of March has decreased by up to 10% across service territories and the electric rate is fixed and has not changed. Hence, any unusual increase in an electricity bill would likely be attributed to changes in energy usage.”
This comes on the heels of a refusal by the Government to grant FortisTCI a six percent rate increase over the weekend.
Fortis revealed that even if it had been granted, bills would have increased only $2 to $15. Fortis still has the opportunity to be awarded that increase if it calls on its right to have an Independent Arbiter assess the increase based on statements from the company, it is likely that that course of action will be utilized.
”The Company maintains that the proposed revised electric rates are necessary and warranted. FortisTCI is currently reviewing this latest development within the provisions of the rate review process and will provide further information to customers in due course. The Company remains committed to delivering safe, reliable, and least-cost electricity to its customers. FortisTCI is available to answer any questions customers may have on their electricity rates,” the company emphasized.
The company explained how a rate increase would be distributed if approval is granted by the arbiter. As usual, the more electricity a
household consumes the more they will pay, and the more the increase will affect them. The dollar difference also varies slightly by island.
In Providenciales customers using between 100 to 300 kWh of power currently pay between $48 to $145 for their electricity. Fortis says this would increase between $2 to $5 per month, new total bill of $50-$149 every month.
Customers using between 500 to 700 kWh would see an increase of $8 to $11 per month on their bills leaving them with new total bills of $257 to $359 per month. Anyone using more than 900 kWh would see a $14 per month increase, leading to a final electricity bill of about $462.
The same was explained for North and Middle Caicos whereas Grand Turk and Salt Cay, whose residents already pay higher bills would see raises of between $2 to $5 per month for customers on the lowest rung leading to bills of between $51 and $153 per month or an increases between $8 to $12 for customers on the middle rung leading to bills between $264 and $370 per month.
Anyone over 900 kWh would see the full $15 increase.
These rates could also go up and down, depending on the expense of fuel, which determines the rate of the fuel factor, making electricity cheaper or more expensive, on a monthly basis.
As for why the electricity company says it needs the increase:
“The rising demand requires expansion to the electricity system to ensure continued reliable service to our customers. This, together with high inflation and rising interest costs, are the primary reasons for the electricity rates review,” it maintained.
The Government refused an increase on March 29 following weeks of firm rhetoric regarding the need for better regulation of utility providers as the country expands. Kyle Knowles, the newly appointed Minister of Public Safety and Utilities has announced an immediate consultation regarding a new draft policy to provide said regulation.
If the arbiter overturns the government’s refusal and the increase is granted, the Turks and Caicos will be joining a trend that the rest of the world is already experiencing. An article from Yahoo! finance published on February 18 just after the application was made maintained that while overall energy has been on a downward spiral, electricity prices remain stubbornly high in the United States. The reason given was similar to FortisTCI’s argument.
“Infrastructure costs have kept utilities from cutting prices. The industry is estimated to spend more than $100 billion annually to maintain aging grids and invest in renewable technologies,” Ines Ferre, Senior Business Reporter said.
In 2023 Jamaicans saw an average 1.6% increase in their electricity bills following tariff adjustments. Closer, in The Bahamas, a 2023 report from CARILEC revealed that at $.36 per kilowatt hour the country had some of the highest electricity rates.
As for the Turks and Caicos Islands, home to around 45,000 people, Minister Knowles maintained that,
“The envisaged regulatory reforms will not only address the concerns highlighted by the applications from FortisTCI and the operational challenges faced by Provo Water Company but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable utility infrastructure that can accommodate the future growth of our islands.”
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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