FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey has reiterated that the government will not support any rate increase for electricity on Grand Bahama at this time when many residents are still struggling after two major crises, The Tribune reported on Tuesday, November 9, in an article written by Grand Bahama-based reporter Denise Maycock.
Minister Moxey’s comments came last week during her contribution in the House of Assembly thanking the Governor General for reading the Speech from the Throne.
“It is our firm position that the people of Grand Bahama should not be further burdened on the heels of the economic stagnation caused by Hurricanes Matthew and Dorian, which was compounded by the global pandemic,” said Ms Moxey.
Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) officially made an application to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for a rate adjustment.
According to a statement on the power company’s website, “the average increase to the all-in rate for all customers is projected to be 4 percent, as compared to inflation rates in The Bahamas of 8.4 percent over the past several years. Not all customers will see a rate increase and, in fact, a decrease in base rates is proposed for a segment of residential customers.”
Ms Moxey indicated that the Davis administration made immediate inquiries, expressed its deep concern, and took swift action.
She said many residents also expressed their frustration with the thought of being further burdened in a time that they can barely afford to keep their lights on.
“Madame Speaker, we made it clear that while we understand that the filing is a part of an established regulatory framework, we will not support any rate increase on any portion of the customer base on Grand Bahama island at this time,” she stressed.
“I want to let the people of Grand Bahama know that this administration will ensure that our policies demonstrate a level of compassion for the plight of our people and businesses; and will encourage corporate Grand Bahama to do the same.”
Turning her attention to East Grand Bahama, Ms Moxey said residents “will finally experience relief after being neglected for four and a half years from an administration that they gave five seats to in 2017.”
She recalled her visit to the area two weeks ago with a delegation.
Following the tour of communities of East End that were ravaged by Hurricane Dorian, Ms Moxey said she was “disheartened.” See complete article in The Tribune at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2021/nov/09/govt-will-not-support-gb-electricity-rate-increase/
