The Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC) has lowered its fuel surcharge from EC$0.60 per kWh to $0.42 per kWh, which will be reflected in customers’ future bills.
It made the adjustment on 1 October, following a 15% reduction in April, ANGLEC announced in an online statement.
The power company explained that the new rate complies with the Electricity (Rates and Charges) Regulations and is below what is mandated by law.
Under the legislation, ANGLEC is required to charge 0.01 cent per kWh for every 0.10 cents increase in fuel costs after $3.64 per imperial gallon.
“This mechanism allows [the company] to recover the cost of fuel over time with consideration for the fluctuating fuel prices,” the statement said.
“With the impending adjustment, ANGLEC is still absorbing a significant portion of the current fuel costs to soften the impact on customers in these difficult economic times.”
The fuel surcharge is directly linked to the cost of fuel used to power generators and provide electricity to Anguilla, not a means of generating extra revenue, ANGLEC clarified.
The statement added that despite continued volatility in fuel prices, it has not passed on any additional charges to customers.
“At ANGLEC we understand that financial hardship can occur at any time, especially during the current climate which is why we are slow to issue increased adjustments,” it said.
“However, even when these decisions must be made we offer a plethora of assistance programmes for customers in need.”
For more information on payment plans and deferment programmes, the company advises contacting its customer care unit at (264) 497-5200.