Two weeks before the May 12 general election, the Davis administration said yesterday that it is wiping away the electricity bills of “qualifying” residents on Grand Cay and Moore’s Island, Abaco, who were reportedly affected by “long-standing electricity billing” issues that arose in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The government is satisfied that these accumulated balances were caused by circumstances beyond the control of ordinary consumers,” the government said in a response to questions from The Nassau Guardian on the issue.
“Families should not be placed in fear of disconnection because of bills that built up during a period when the system itself was unable to operate in the normal way.
“After review, the government has determined that the fairest course is to protect affected consumers by absorbing the eligible accumulated balances through an offsetting arrangement between the government of The Bahamas and Bahamas Power and Light.
“This will allow the matter to be settled responsibly, without placing the burden on residents who were already carrying the weight of disaster, disruption, and uncertainty.
“This intervention reflects the Davis administration’s commitment to fairness, consumer protection, and responsible resolution of inherited matters.
“These balances accumulated under the former Free National Movement administration, and for too long the affected residents were left exposed to pressure and uncertainty.
“The government has taken the position that where Bahamians have acted in good faith, and where hardship was created by disaster, system disruption, or circumstances beyond their control, the state has a duty to step in and provide a fair resolution.
“The ministry responsible will work with BPL to identify eligible accounts, apply the approved offsetting arrangement, and ensure that affected consumers receive clear communication about the status of their accounts.
“The government will continue to protect consumers, strengthen accountability in public utilities, and address legacy issues in a manner that is fair to families, responsible to taxpayers, and respectful of the realities faced by our Family Island communities.”
But Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Dr. Duane Sands yesterday called the move a “desperate” attempt by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to use public funds “to pay their political tab”.
“This is shocking and an absolute disgrace,” Sands said.
“It speaks to the level of desperation of an administration whose popularity is in free fall.
“They will do anything to maintain their tenuous hold on power and the perks that they have enjoyed for the last four and a half years.”
Hurricane Dorian impacted portions of Abaco and Grand Bahama nearly seven years ago. This is the first time any government has ever publicly mentioned erasing the electricity bills of some residents on Moore’s Island and Grand Cay.
Many will likely question why, after four and a half years in office and two weeks before the next election, the government has decided to act on this issue now.
In its statement, the government said, “This matter arose in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hurricane Dorian destroyed major parts of BPL’s infrastructure in Central Abaco and the Abaco Cays, while COVID-19 emergency measures later restricted movement, business activity, and normal operations across the country.
“During that period, many residents in these remote communities faced extraordinary hardship.
“Normal collection operations were disrupted, access to banking services was limited, travel was restricted, and many families were still trying to rebuild their homes, businesses, and lives.
“The government has also been advised that, under the former Free National Movement administration, affected consumers were told they would not be required to pay their bills during that period. However, while residents were relying on that assurance, the balances continued to accumulate in BPL’s billing system. This created an unfair burden on consumers who acted in good faith and who were already dealing with the combined impact of Dorian, displacement, and the pandemic.”
Sands called the government’s response “rubbish”.
“This is the most contrived, convoluted and absurd formal statement ever,” he said. “It is attempting to justify administrative actions that are unacceptable [and] rubbish.
“It is laughable, though lamentable that a sovereign government would attempt to justify such an action.”
