Government maintains power price cap as fuel surcharge rises sharply again
Following another sharp increase in the fuel surcharge, the government has confirmed it will honour its promise to cap power… The post Government maintains power price cap as fuel surcharge rises sharply again appeared first on Anguilla Focus | News.
Black News 
Following another sharp increase in the fuel surcharge, the government has confirmed it will honour its promise to cap power costs in Anguilla.
ANGLEC announced the rise from EC$0.88 to $1.04 per kilowatt-hour on 29 May – just two months after the surcharge more than doubled from $0.42 to $0.88 per kWh.
The power company said the new adjustment is down to external factors that caused the “continued rapid rise in fuel prices globally” and will be reflected in bills sent to customers on 4 June
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“These world events have drastically impacted operational capacities for utilities including ANGLEC impacting electricity generation costs across the board,” it said in a press release.
“Despite absorbing a significant portion of increases over the years, the continued escalation in fuel expenses has made it necessary to implement an adjustment at this time.”
In its own press release the same day, the government said households and businesses will continue to pay a fuel surcharge of just $0.42 per kWh and the accommodation sector will pay $0.65 per kWh.
It also reaffirmed a commitment to “balancing immediate relief measures with the long-term sustainability of public finances, while continuing to support the wellbeing of residents and the broader economy”.
The two-month relief package was announced on 30 March as a temporary measure aimed at easing rising energy costs. It cost the government $3.3 million in April.
ANGLEC said the government’s contribution will “help absorb a portion of the fuel surcharge cost to soften the impact on customers’ bills, even as our operational costs rise”.
The company added that it continues to be concerned with the rising cost of fuel globally, which continues to impact our operational cost and the cost of electricity to consumers.
“Therefore, we encourage all our customers to adopt good energy efficiency and conservation practices, which will help reduce their energy consumption and consequently reduce their electricity bill,” it said.
All adjustments to the fuel surcharge are applied in accordance with the Electricity (Rates and Charges) Regulations.
ANGLEC advised customers to take advantage of payment plans and deferment options where needed. More information is available from its customer care unit at (264) 497-5200.
The post Government maintains power price cap as fuel surcharge rises sharply again appeared first on Anguilla Focus | News.
