Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) says it is actively exploring measures to reduce the impact of fluctuating global fuel prices on electricity consumers, while working with government and regulatory partners to accelerate the transition towards alternative energy sources.
LUCELEC’s Corporate Communications Officer Carmy Joseph says the company remains concerned about the financial pressure electricity costs place on households and businesses, particularly given Saint Lucia’s dependence on imported fuel for power generation.
She explained that fluctuations in international oil prices directly affect electricity bills through the fuel surcharge, which reflects the cost of fuel used to generate electricity.
“The fuel surcharge is used to pay for the fuel that we need to generate electricity for our customers,” Joseph explained, stressing that the company does not apply a markup to the charge.
According to Joseph, money collected through the fuel surcharge goes directly towards purchasing fuel to power LUCELEC’s generating engines.
As part of efforts to reduce exposure to international oil prices, the company is pursuing a long term Strategic Plan that includes generating at least 50% of its generation mix from Renewable Energy by 2035.
Joseph pointed to plans involving a 10MW solar farm expected to offset the purchase of approximately 1.2 million gallons of importer fuel upon commission expected in 2028.
The company she noted is also collaborating with the National Utilities Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders on an Integrated Resource Resiliency Plan (IRRP) to determine the most suitable energy mix for Saint Lucia.
According to her, reducing fuel imports would help limit the country’s vulnerability to international market fluctuations and provide greater stability for electricity consumers.
She also disclosed that the company continues to monitor international oil prices and assess opportunities to secure fuel at more favourable rates. However, Joseph indicated that current market conditions have made some fuel-price hedging arrangements less attractive.
Meanwhile, LUCELEC is engaged in discussions with the Government on possible measures to ease the financial burden on electricity consumers.
“We are actively speaking with the government,” Joseph said, noting that affordability remains a major concern for both residential and commercial customers.
The company is also reminding customers experiencing financial difficulties that payment arrangements remain available to help them manage outstanding electricity bills and avoid service interruptions.
Joseph encouraged affected customers to contact LUCELEC’s Credit Control team or visit its Customer Service offices to discuss available options.
The company maintains that diversifying Saint Lucia’s energy sources, reducing fuel imports and supporting vulnerable customers will remain central to its efforts to improve electricity affordability.
