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Gov’t in discussions on lowering soaring electricity costs- Premier Wheatley

- Premier said consumers will feel the pinch even if fuel import duty is removed
The drastic increase in electricity bills has been a cause for much concern in the Virgin Islands. Photo: BVIEC
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says his government remains in talks on the possibility of lowering the cost of electricity for consumers. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says his government remains in talks on the possibility of lowering the cost of electricity for consumers. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– With residents and businesses alike continuing to groan over the drastic increases in their electricity bills, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says his government remains in talks on the possibility of lowering the cost of electricity for consumers.

Dr Wheatley, during a July 22, 2022, press conference, revealed there are ongoing discussions among himself; Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5); Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and other entities, including the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC).

Consumers will 'feel the pinch'

“We are having discussions right now about what can specifically be done about electricity and seeking to lower the cost, but persons must understand the cost is directly related to the high cost of diesel fuel, petroleum, and of course, the electricity corporation would have to pass that on to consumers,” he said.

Dr Wheatley related that even if the government collects nothing, in terms of duties, consumers will still feel the pinch of rising prices. 

“We are exploring what can be done within the very tight fiscal space that we have. We are not quite ready to make any announcements as yet but, from a long-term standpoint, we have to explore what we can do in terms of alternative energy,” he added.

13 Responses to “Gov’t in discussions on lowering soaring electricity costs- Premier Wheatley”

  • Too Sad (26/07/2022, 09:53) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can't wait.....mine triple
  • jack (26/07/2022, 10:16) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    While the fuel and diesel prices increased due to the war, Government also played a part when they start charging $0.10 per gallon for fuel discharged through Ships' pipelines. We all know that the vendors had to charge this to their customers. Government must be mindful of when to increase fees and when not too. During a pandemic when unemployment is high is no damn time to increase fees IF YOU CARE ABOUR YOUR CITIZENS. Now they are looking to see what can be done about the situation. Thought and consideration must come first not act in a haste then think afterwards. This makes very little sense.
  • ? (26/07/2022, 10:36) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    less talk more action and thanks for working on behalf of the small people some still on life support from those hurricanes then that covid shutdown
  • Arrion (26/07/2022, 10:44) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    I live on social security and pension. How am I supposed to pay this increase? I'm old and have no extra income, so is there any help for seniors?
    • lodger (27/07/2022, 01:57) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      But you can afford internet?
      • Greg (28/07/2022, 10:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ lodger. You are a complete MORON! Everyone needs internet to do our daily tasks. We need it for all information, television, phone calls, banking,, DDM, paying bills on line, making reservations for traveling etc. We are not living in the FLINTSTONES AGE and internet is a nesessity for old and young rich or poor you MORON!
  • We must exercise greater patients (26/07/2022, 11:03) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    Things are getting harder, and heavier especially on the poor, and others too. We should know by now that wars are supported by the greedyrich billionaires to make or get more money. Be patient with our new Premier Natalio Sajande Wheatley. He is trying hard under severe pressure to ease the high cost of fuel, but we all must cooperate for the betterment of all our people, not few. Financial sacrifice is needed
    Live and let liv
  • Some ideas (26/07/2022, 12:20) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Try eliminating import duties and tariffs for solar and related equipment. For that matter, give rebates to belongers who install. Develop a medium and long term energy policy and implement it
    Try also bringing to account BVI EC management who for decades have not really done much about even trying to run the business with a semblance of efficiency. The issue of high energy costs getting higher has been foreseeable since the 90s.
    Try also paying the govt electric bill.
  • WHAT!!!! (26/07/2022, 13:46) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    How much money does government owe the Electricity Corporation???
    If they were paid we may be able to get smaller bills.
  • Big Ras (26/07/2022, 15:31) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    If you live like a ras you will sow, reap and eat from the earth! The earth will not disappoint, wifi and internet is babylon things. Disconnect, you wont have much bills to pay. Too much GREEED! We brought Babylon upon ourselves.
    • @Big Ras (27/07/2022, 04:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thanks for the laugh. Aren’t you using the same internet to make your comment? Come again. Lol
  • bigga (26/07/2022, 16:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Invest in solar panels ysll forgetting abiut ehat abdre fahie said you go solar bvi electricity will be poaying you remenber


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