APUA warns of higher electricity costs as fuel prices drive up charges

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Apua electricity worker

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) says rising global fuel prices are pushing up electricity costs in Antigua and Barbuda, with consumers now seeing higher charges on their monthly bills.

APUA Corporate Communications Officer Anazette Reynolds said the Fuel Variation Charge (FVC) for May increased from 55 cents to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour, a rise of nearly 30 per cent.

Speaking on WTP Radio, Reynolds said the adjustment reflects higher international fuel prices, which have been affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions, including conflict involving Iran.

“We would have published the fuel variation rate for May, and it’s a little bit more than what we have seen in recent times,” she said.

The FVC, introduced in July 2024, allows electricity rates to adjust in line with fluctuating fuel costs used in power generation.

Reynolds said part of the fuel cost is still being subsidised to help limit the impact on consumers, but urged households to monitor their electricity usage carefully, especially during the hotter summer months when demand typically rises.

“The thing about electricity is that you can control your cost based on your usage,” she said, encouraging energy-saving habits.

She warned that higher temperatures and school holidays, when children are more likely to be at home, could lead to increased consumption and higher bills if usage is not managed.

The increase comes amid wider concerns about global energy prices and the impact of international instability on small island states dependent on imported fuel.

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7 COMMENTS

  2. It’s inevitable. I see the same trend in my field as well (shipping). It has been crazy. There’s just no way around it at this time. I hope we don’t think ABLP or even UPP can fix this. They can’t. We just have to brace for it and don’t spend what you don’t have to.

  3. They’re pretty smart to absorb the cost and wait till after the elections to make a statement. I guess any sensible government would have done the same thing.

    Hope the people don’t think they were dupe again for an election win.

  4. Well we were told of HEADWIND ahead.

    Yes they were smart…Two days after the elections they cut my INET.

  5. This comes as no surprise. The pre election decision to absorb the cost and to wave all outstanding bills for delinquent customers was only a measure intended to get votes. Elections are now over and reality is setting in. Nothing is free and all the giveaways must be paid for. This is only the start.

  7. Fellow Antiguans, do not fall for this damn foolish talk from the APUA. Because in the run-up to the last General Election, the ABLP and Gaston Browne were giving amnesties to those who owed APUA money or giving those who were disconnected another chance for their votes 🗳

    After the General Election there was always going to be a payback in some form to the rest of the country who paid-up on time.

    I recall at these payment amnesties for votes was going to come back and bite Antiguans.

    It wasn’t rocket science to foresee this money grabbing development…

    ANYWAY, WE GOT EXACTLY WHAT WE VOTED FOR FOLKS… 🗳

    … AND THERE’S MORE TO COME!

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