The T&T Electricity Commission (T&TEC) will meet this week with its line ministry to work out the dynamics of the 25 per cent rebate on electricity bills for the 120,000 households now utilising power to the tune of $300 and under per cycle.
Confirmation came yesterday from T&TEC’s general manager Kelvin Ramsook. In presenting the 2017 budget on Friday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert spoke about the rebate which consumers will benefit from once instituted.
Imbert also stated that T&TEC was owing the National Gas Company (NGC) over $2 billion for the supply of natural gas to independent suppliers. This, Imbert said, along with other operating inefficiencies, has aggravated the financial situation at T&TEC, making it more dependent on Government transfers.
Admitting yesterday that T&TEC had owed NGC the staggering figure, Ramsook said the Ministry of Public Utilities and NGC were having dialogue on this matter to work things out.
Commenting on the 25 per cent rebate, Ramsook said by this week T&TEC will have discussions with its line ministry “to work out a mechanism” with regards to how this new initiative will be applied.
Ramsook said, “The minister’s statement is very clear. Bills that are $300 and lower will get a 25 per cent rebate. T&TEC was consulted on this.” He said T&TEC’s customers also have control over their bills, since they can chose to conserve electricity at any time.
Ramsook could not say when the rebate will go into effect.