Lower Electricity Bills Coming

Contact: John Emmanuel

Wednesday, November 07, 2001 – Saint Lucian households and businesses can look forward to paying less for electricity in the new year after the House of Assembly passed an amendment to the 1994 Electricity Supply Act on Tuesday.

The amendment, piloted by Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Information, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, was among more than 10 items of business which came before lawmakers before the House was adjourned sine die.

Dr. Anthony told the House that the 1994 Act which guaranteed shareholders of the Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) a specified rate of return on their investment, was the main obstacle preventing consumers from paying less for electricity. As a result of the amendment which was relieving consumers of mandatory contributions to LUCELEC, he said electricity bills should be lower from January 2002.

“In 1994 when the  winds of liberalization were blowing, which is just seven years ago, the Compton administration bequeathed the company an exclusive licence of 80 years, protecting their returns on investments,” Dr. Anthony explained. He went on: “With agreement and after discussion with LUCELEC….,  we are taking the first step by amending that Act to delete the following words ‘consumer contributions’ which are a range of contributions that LUCELEC expected from consumers for delivering certain services.”

The removal of those contributions would lead to savings of approximately four to five per cent for consumers, Dr. Anthony said.

Prime Minister Anthony also piloted the Supplementary Appropriations Bill 2000/2001 and the Yachts Licence Amendment.

Other matters which came before the House included the Montreal Protocol Bill dealing with Saint Lucia’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol to reduce substances which deplete the Ozone Layer, the Immigration Ordinance and Immigration Amendment Bill, the Money Laundering Prevention Amendment Bill, the Police Ordinance Amendment, and the Tourism Incentives Amendment Bill.

Also on Tuesday, the House gave the go-ahead for Radio Saint Lucia to borrow EC$2 million to modernize its broadcasting equipment and facilities. The House also authorised Government to borrow $67 million for the purpose of financing its  2001/2002 capital programme, which had been outlined in the budget presentation earlier this year.

Dr. Anthony mentioned several projects to be financed through the loan, including roads, school repairs, and construction of jetties  in Canaries and Anse-La-Raye.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Search for 2001 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.