The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) will apply a credit to customers’ September bills following extremely high August 2026 electricity bills, following discussions with the government. Photo: BVIEC

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) will hold a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM, to address concerns customers of BVI Electricity Corporation have. Photo: GIS/File

The press conference on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, will seek to provide further clarity, address customer concerns and outline the way forward. Photo: BVIEC

In an August 21, 2026, press release, BVIEC said the higher bills reflect electricity consumed during July 2026, when the corporation experienced the highest fuel cost in its recorded history.

“During July, continued disruption to global fuel markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, contributed to a sharp increase in fuel prices. BVIEC’s fuel cost rose to $3.9609 per gallon, resulting in total fuel expenditure of approximately $6.07 million for the month.”

BVIEC added that even after absorbing over one million dollars in fuel costs, the resulting net fuel surcharge reached $0.27606 per kWh, the highest recorded by the Corporation and above levels experienced during the 2022 global fuel crisis.

The spike also occurred after the government’s three-month emergency fuel subsidy programme concluded.

August bills don’t reflect HoA-approved rate changes

The corporation also clarified that the increase reflected in the August 2026 bills is not connected to the recently approved targeted fuel subsidy adjustment for consumption above 1,500 kWh.

“Higher electricity bills place added pressure on household budgets and increase operating costs for businesses across the Territory,” BVIEC stated, acknowledging the effect on customers. 

The credit, according to BVIEC, is intended to help offset the impact of the unusually high July fuel costs reflected in August bills. Details on how that credit will be calculated and applied will be communicated to customers before September billing.

Hon Rymer to hold press conference

In response to concerns raised by BVIEC customers, Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) will hold a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM. 

Hon Rymer will seek to provide further clarity, address customer concerns and outline the way forward.

BVIEC encouraged members of the public, especially its customers, to stay tuned for additional details and thanked them for their patience and understanding.