Saint Lucians struggling with higher electricity bills could receive breathing room through payment plans and a temporary pause on disconnections—measures now being discussed between Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and LUCELEC.
But neither measure has been announced as an agreed arrangement.
In an October 26 statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said discussions with the electricity company have included possible payment plans, a halt to disconnections and additional assistance LUCELEC could offer at the corporate level.
The statement provided no start date, eligibility requirements or timeline for a decision, leaving customers awaiting details on whether the proposals will become available.
The Consumer Affairs Department will continue discussions with LUCELEC to explore measures to ease the financial pressure on households and businesses. According to the statement, the company has also expressed concern about the situation.
The Government attributed pressure on global fuel prices to geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran, and outlined subsidies it says are cushioning consumers against higher fuel and cooking gas costs.
For the October 26 to November 15 pricing period, gasoline and diesel remain at EC$17.25 per imperial gallon, supported by government subsidies of EC$1.15 and EC$2.50 per gallon, respectively.
Without that assistance, the statement said, gasoline would cost EC$18.40 per gallon and diesel EC$19.75.
The Government is also covering more than half the cost of refilling 20-pound and 22-pound cooking gas cylinders.
Consumers pay EC$36 for a 20-pound refill, with the Government contributing EC$40.25. A 22-pound refill costs consumers EC$40, supported by a government contribution of EC$43.87.
Those subsidies reduce immediate costs for consumers, but the Government acknowledged that absorbing the expense also places pressure on public finances.
Its longer-term approach includes exploring geothermal energy and removing VAT on qualifying solar photovoltaic equipment and installation services. The stated aim is to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and help stabilise electricity costs over time.
For customers facing electricity bills they cannot comfortably meet, however, the immediate issue remains unresolved: whether the discussions with LUCELEC will deliver payment flexibility and protection from disconnection—and how soon.
