The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement has launched a petition against the Grand Bahama Power Company over its proposed rate hike.

The FNM wants 2,000 signatures from residents and businesses over the next few days.

Samuel Dawkins, chairman of the party’s Central Grand Bahama Association, and Ron Darville Jr, first vice chairman of the Marco City Association, reported that residents have been responsive to the petition.

“Grand Bahamians are eager to sign the petition; we are on the ground going all over gathering signatures,” he said.

Mr Dawkins said now is not the time for an increase, as Grand Bahama’s economy is still struggling.

On August 1, the power company submitted a rate plan proposal to the Grand Bahama Port Authority, seeking approval for a 6.3 percent increase in the base rate. If approved, the rate will be effective on January 1, 2025.

Residents and business operators oppose the hike and have expressed concerns over high fuel surcharges, frequent outages, and damage to household appliances due to power surges.

Ron Darville Jr said there has been significant public outcry over the high cost of electricity on the island.

“We want the stakeholders to understand that it is not just a political party or activists who have a concern; it is the general public, and they want their voices to be heard,” he said.

Mr Darville is optimistic that officials will achieve and exceed their signature target.

“The response has been overwhelming,” he said. “We are out on the ground speaking with people, and the response is very good.”

In previous protests against the GBPC, residents called for more accountability from the company concerning the Storm Recovery and Stabilization (SRS) charge to recoup the costs of Hurricane Dorian.

Residents pay 1.3 cents per kilowatt hour, commercial customers 0.8 cents per kilowatt hour, and industrial customers 1 cent per kilowatt hour on their monthly bills.