Electricity consumers may have to pay a bit more for the commodity as DOMLEC is reporting that its hydo power plant has been severely affected by the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.
With the loss of its Padu power plant, the company said it will have to switch to desiel and this may hit consumers’ pockets.
“Firstly the Padu station provides about 1.4 megawatts of hydro generating capacity. which is very significant in terms of our effects on our customer’s rates,” DOMLEC’s Generation Manager, Dave Stamp, said on the Power Talk Program on Monday 28th September 2015. “Now with the loss of the Padu station, what this means is that we are going to have to replace this capacity with diesel, so this means we are going to have to burn more fuel than we normally burn and it may have some impact on the fuel surcharge.”
According to Stamp, the plant, which is located in Trafalgar beneath the waterfall, got its share of flooding, land and mud slides as well as debris and it is currently “out of service as we speak.”
However, he pointed out, work is underway to get it back on track.
“Just so that customers know this is the reason why we are pulling all the stops and bringing all these help expertise from overseas to help us to get the Padu station and all the rest of the affected hydro stations as fast as possible, so that we can try and mitigate the effect on this on the customer service,” he pointed out.
He said the company will be working for the rest of the week on the station adding that a damage assessment will also be done at that time.
In May of this year DOMLEC reported a profit of $14.82-million in 2014 after tax, an of over 67 percent increase of a profit of $8.8-million reported in 2013.
now it is obvious domlec cares not about Dominicans. In this time of crisis domlec wants to put up on light bills after all that profit. domlec has not donated anything substantial to the island. this is so sad and disappointing. and dowasco took such a hard hit and has not made mention of putting up water bills: if any one should it is dowasco. and dowasco made nothing close to domlec’s profit margin.
Seems unconscionable to me
…Raising rates at a time like this, (after a disaster of enormous proportions) when all are suffering and people are struggling to pay their bills…
Millions are donated to help the country, some of which can be channeled to help Domlec repair/replace its infrastructure,
Also Domlec can use some its huge profits to ease the burden on its customers.
In addition, doesn’t Domlec have emergency funds as virtually all regulated utilities world wide do?.
Minus what insurance covered, rates should go downand.
Now that oil/diesel has gone down below $45. yes below $45 a barrel today, that means you Domlec should not be allowed to raise by anything, just to give it back to charity. Yes you will still make profit, that’s why you bought the company. So just leave it where it is as a contribution to the relief effort for Dominica Domlec.
Duh…simple math to be calculate without using a calculator. I just had my 14 yr old come up with the probability equassion in minutes and determined the rates should go down. So don’t try that!
With the greatest respect it is Govt. that determines the price of diesel fuel in Dominica and not the consumer, in this case Domlec. The much lauded PetroCaribe was established to help us reduce our energy costs and this is a golden opportunity for them to do just that.
This is absolutely ridiculous. After all this profit U all talk about, at this point in time
for you all to come up with this scenario. Plp are being penalise for what???
God help this country and it’s Plp, but still they sit and take all the crap, being shoved
down their throats.
Hmmmmmmmmm……….where’s your insurance ? Why we the already heavily tax ? We were before and it was always your intentions to increase anyways . Smh . I guess DOWASCO going to say the same thing soon too and increase ? Stop using Erika to commit you evil DOMLEC and utility companies . We suffered enough in our time under politicians and governments . Leave us alone . You guys have no heart , no sympathy . You operate like the vampires on Resident evil . Blood suckers , leave us , go back to your blood moon where you came from .
People,please remember these People are in Business to realise a profit.And subsiquently so is the Government.So Storm damage,Hydro damage, that is not their,bottom line.It Profits.?⛽️
Wasn’t the plant insured?
and if not why are we the ones to absorb the cost. Domlec needs to meet the cost of there wear and tear. BS
Cheer up Dominican residents. Although DOMLEC may be informing you, in advance to prepare for the imminent higher electricity cost, it may not occur for a while, if it does.
Just my thought. I think that the prime Minster should take some of that monies that is being donated to Dominica pay domlect and don’t have these poor Dominicans who is already suffering pay for it. My god this is to much on the people, what do they wants them to do? People can barely afford food on their table, does anyone cares about the life of the people? Dominicans i must ask,what did you do wrong and now you are paying for it? I think you guys do need the pope something is definitely wrong. My god look upon them.
People, we have the power over DAMN-LEC. We have to sacrifice to get what we want and need. It’s easy as ABC – All we have to do is to go back to kerosene; Don’t pay DAMNLEC for three months or more and see what damage we can cause to DAMN-LEC. Power is with the people – if only the people would unite. You don’t have to pay the bill! let them disconnect your service. If 10,000 people decide they are not going to pay the price increase; then see what will become of DAMN-LEC.
Higher electric bills for the people already suffering? Well, don’t cry now, my people. You sow skeritt, you reap skeritt. Can’t sow bad seed and expect good fruit.
Debt forgiveness,,
Is this the same Domlec, who just made millions in profit on poor people in this country. Come on man… something needs to be done.. People salary not increasing yet still year and year bills increasing. how will people survive???????
what the heck.where all the millions they made in profit for the past years.this is not our business.use the profit u made to cover yr lost
Some time ago when Ron Green and some others were out there with placards, there was very little or no support….so suck it up and shut allyou………… or start protesting.
I fully agree.
Or take P.A.Y.G….Pay as you go….In that way, you will have full control over your bill. You can put off your fridge in the night and put it on again next morning to save on costs….there are many ways of controlling your power usage.
Another thing is, some of all you Dominicans are crying about the high rates of electricity, but some of all you homes have the 52″ inch television screen, standing deep freezers, plus a regular fridge, plus everybody have a laptop in their room… so what all you crying about high electricity bill for?
I would like to know if a bus company is operating without any insurance [which of course they are unable to] and they would get into an accident, could they in turn come around and impose extra charges on the commuters for them to repair their bus, hell no. For this I’m saying, DOMLEC should be responsible for repairing their equipment, out off their huge profits which they are making on the backs of the costumers.
Look at the huge profits they amassed within the last 2 financial years, they never lowered the rates for the costumers neither gave an increase to the share holders. DOMLEC, get your equipment insured, we cant afford more increase when prices in the markets are being increase , as produces are getting scarce . People are taking the advantage to make a profit after TS Erika, there are price increase on all their products.
If DOMLEC equipment was insured the proceeds of the insurance must go to the replacement and repairs of the damaged equipments. The proceeds from the insurance cannot go towards subsidising customer bills. Where is it stated that DOMLEC is going to increase charges to pay for damages? DOMLEC should continue to operate at a profit by employing the very best business practices. By the way we can still invest in DOMLEC by buying shares, that’s where the $millions profit goes, to the shareholders who have invested their hard earned money to keep the company running. Many Dominicans are shareholders.
where the hell is PETROCARIBE? it is times like these it should serve Dominica. Can some one please list for me at least five benefits of PetroCaribe to Dominicans? Except for handing out largess to supporters and would be voters what else have they done? ME AND MY CHILDREN AFTER ME GOING TO HAVE TO PAY BACK THAT MAMA DEBT IT ACCUMULATING SO WHAT DI HELL IT DOING FOR ME!
And domlec in all you moddah sussoon doh think allyuh going and come and hike prices after allyuh obscene level of profits raised in Dominica the poorest OECS island last year!
DOMLEC, ou vle fini tue nous manne, zot toe WICKED.
The government need to tell Domlec after a profit in 2014 which almost double that of 2013, 2015 when the nation has been severally hit by T.S Erika and we are working on nation building now is not the time.
This is what happens in a monopoly. They control the market therefore they can set the prices so that they earn the highest possible profits. Solar energy is not an option for low income citizens unless a company is willing to offer a reasonable payment plan for the initial installation. Whatever happened to the plans for a geothermal plant?
My view is the insurance can cover the expense and before coming to public they should have discuss with GOVT to reduce the taxes to consumer to ease their pain.
The GOVT and Domlec( B/dos company the main Shareholder) are making more money while the people languish in more poverty.
Where are we going to get money to pay 4 the increase. One day they say price of petrol is down hence an ease up 4 d/cans are they buffering it by increasing light cost?
ah magwa sa. I cannot afford to pay my current bill much less for more. No domlec all u make how many millions dollars in profit, this is unfair
I remember when there was a march against the practices of Domlec. Only a handful turned up. This is what happens when people do not stand up. Now Domlec taking DA people for fools and giving licks.
Domlec should not raise fees, Skerrit need to intervene and lower the Vat to 10% or lower the fuel surcharge they should lower taxes post Erika to help with the rebuilding efforts.
I agree. That is utter in nonsense. People need to take to the streets to demonstrate against this and I mean all Dominicans. So Domlec think is they alone that suffer loses after Tropical storm Erica. I am not sitting and accenting this. The are very hard times ahead for Dominica, we cannot handle and take any increase right now. That is pure wickedness. Domlec bill is already high!!!!! I damn vex right now.
don’t you worry my people there is a God. he will deal with this greedy and wicked company. hold on my people, hold on.
Hey! it’s not the company; It’s the government.
Now the United nations general Assembly is at its peak in NY , I hope Skerro and or Saverin is in NY to seek help from world leaders .
This would e a good opportunity to show these leaders what we need and how they can help us.
While Dominica is in dire need of help, when they help as the UN you should know there are conditions attached. One of it is forcing the government to institute immorality in the land.
You should know what I mean. If you appear not to know, recently there are two articles on DNO, one is modernizing the family, placing this so-called same sex marriage and they adopting children at par with heterosexual marriages. The other is OECS discussing LGBT issues.
Be careful of those who help at a price. This is not real concern and help.
Nothing surpasses our God.
I have some religious information, one of it is, “What Is Waiting For Us” (worldwide) and other relevant information. Scary one may say. Well, TS Erika gave Dominica a taste of it.
It looks like I will have to establish my own Website in order to share all of that and more with you.
People must know about it. The information is not meant for me to keep. I have shared copies with those whom I know.
not really, they just wanted to see de public’s reaction , so they wil know if is to increase de cost
You made me laugh.
Do you think they are joking?
I hope for everyone’s sake DOMLEC will not raise the cost.
In a time like this DOMLEC and the Gov’t of Dominica is pressing the people of poor Da? That Gov’t is trying to get blood out of stone. How on earth you can approve any utility company to raise anything on we the people ? This is just crazy that Dominicans are willing to seat on their hands and take anything that is thrown down their throats! How much more can we take my people?
Erika was a natural disaster, but I think eventually Skerro and his bunch with cause a bigger man made disaster!
sad but true.
Do not jump the gun. Did you read the article properly? DOMLEC is working on it, trying to get outside help to restore the facility.
After a disaster, customers always pay higher cost. This is wherever we reside. These enterprises do not absorb the full costs and never of their loss. Somehow they have to re-coup their loss. Therefore, customers pay for it. Such is life. Dominicans are not alone in this.
Be broadminded. Do not blame the government for that.
@ Real Facts: What I would tell you there eh…smh. Effing labour party apologist.
Come on Domlec what are you saying, the displaced demand from erica does not displace the lost generating set? Are you saying that your demand is still at the pre erica level? come on stop killing us man
We only have ideas in time of crisis, once the crisis is over all our bright ideas are forgotten and it is just business as usual. Yes if the hydro goes offline more deisel will be used and the surcharge will be impacted. By how much is another matter as the price of crude keeps on dropping. We all want that when we flick the switch at our homes all the modern amenities come to life as a result of electricity, yet we constantly complain about the cost of this important commodity. Those who seriously think that DOMLEC should not make a profit to stay in business please buy it and let us all enjoy bellow cost prices for electricity….
Today, everything uses electricity. Even telephones have to be plugged in to the electric outlet. I read that computers use a lot of electricity.
In this modern era nearly every gadget as oven, toaster-oven, toaster – for bread, microwave, juicer, mincer, deep fryer, blender, bread maker. How about washers and dryers. You name the rest, we have them. To a certain point they are all necessary and make food preparation easier and faster and other chores. These are other reasons why the cost of electricity increased – worldwide. As the years progress it will continue to increase.
Dominica is really for retired individuals or the rich. Not the rest that’s trying to make a living…
Carcon, Dominica is a place to spend money, not to make money unless you sell passports.
I hate to disappoint you.
The entire world is for the rich. 
So DOMLEC does not have insurance to cover lost profit in the event of damage to its facilities?
Furthermore, where is it written that a company must pass on every cost if incurs over the short term? So they are not prepared to take any risk?
Must be nice being a monopoly (if the government will allow this kind of crap).
The company I work for has to deal with many risks all the time including major shifts on foreign exchange, changes in the price of electricity and natural gas. Because we have competition, we cannot just pass along all costs as they occur. We would be out of business in no time.
What we do is look for efficiencies in our business to make sure we keep our other controllable costs down (to mitigate some of the higher uncontrollable costs).
I was waiting for those ……to say something like that. Domlec man! Allu too wicked!!!
but diesel is at an all time low..why should this affect us the consumer..more tricks from thieflec to make another ridiculous profit this year…Power still goes once a month in some random part of dominica..where in the world you all ever see this nonsence…but the govt doesnt care
Businesses must operate at a profit. They must have funds set aside for emergency as this one. Customers always pay for it.
As we say (some of us anyway) in Canada, it is a vicious world. We cannot run away from higher costs. Everything increases. To suit their budget/pockets, consumers have to economize.
The price of crude oil has tumbled to less than U.$.50 a barrel and it would be a simple move for Govt. to reduce the price of diesel Domlec is charged, at least till the hydro plant is back up to full capacity. This would remove any excuse by Domlec to increase their price, and the inevitable increase in customer disconnections as a consequence. Much was made of Petrocaribe and Venezuela being our friends at Melville Hall last week. Now is the time to really show that.
A note to those in authority, think Solar.
and wind
Lang Mama en no expert but it seem logical that Domlec would or should have some kind of insurance to cover equipment damages. It feels unfair that consumers must now be prepared to pay higher electricity when the very same consumers are ready making sacrifices. No increase in salaries; increase vehicle licenses; increase cost on fuel; food.
I eould surprised of the regulatory institution allow DOMLEC to impose this increase on us.
It seem Dominicans will have to resort to bou-sai – DOMLEC mean to say they have no insurance coverage – SMH
Remember the days when people used kerosene and oil lamps and they went to bed earlier? This one also crossed my mind and made me laugh in a nice way – more babies then; bigger families;
Most people of today do not know how to live.
as we say, according to the song, those were the days my friend; gone forever.
People would sit on their doorsteps and/or balcony or porch, give stories and laugh. Neighbors would visit neighbors. Those who had musical instruments would play them. Some would sing songs..
If we look back, people were much nicer then. There were fewer crimes and petty ones.
We also enjoyed the full moon; even had moonlight and day picnics, enjoying nature. No TV and computers then, etc.
Reminiscing is a good thing. It puts a smile on our faces
There is a price to pay for progress and especially after a disaster. That is the way the world revolves. We have to grin and bear it and make the most of it.
Act of God. Skerrit is God and insurance does not cover that.
Alas papa bondieux Domlec ou Kay tres mourne Dominique. What a insensitive, selfish and callous company . In a time like this the best thing you all find to do is bring up the price of an already exorbitant electricity price? Ah ah ah magway sah. There’s a special place in hell for companies like these… Heartless!!! Dominicans need to get off there butts and make a statement, it time for a massive protest against this move
Great move Domlec, it is best if u Raise the rates for the country cause if we made $14.82-million in 2014, we can make $25.50 in 2015 more tax revenue for skerrit to help in rebuilding the country.
MAGWESA! before storm Erika consumers have been paying additional fuel surcharge, so why do we have to pay fuel surcharge after storms. DOMLEC Management, please be considerate .DOMLEC has been making huge profits. This Female General Manager come to Kill us eh! ALWAYS REMEMBER MANAGEMENT OF DOMLEC, Dominicans live from hand to mouth. You all are too wicked. I and other Dominicans would DOMLEC TO INFORM Dominicans t whether the contract with Government will soon be ended which was suppose to be in 2015. SPEAK THE TRUTH! GOD is listening and watching.
What her being female have to do with anything. Jeez. It’s not right what the intend on doing but I don’t think it’s being done because of the female. Give a girl a break
This is murder 1st degree….. In May of this year (2015) you reported a profit of $14.82-million in 2014 after tax, equating to over 67 percent increase of a profit of $8.8-million you reported in 2013. Fast track August 2015….. Erika hits and in order to safeguard the guarantee of return on investments to your shareholders your first option was not and could never have been to AGREE to have reduced profit margin BUT rather blame it on increase fuel surcharge!!!!!! It is left to be seen what profit margin after tax you will report in 2015. Yes hydro down and diesel have to burn but that does not mean, especially in a time like now, to increase fuel surcharge.. where is your corporate responsibility to a recovering Dominica ….. none… your obligation is only to the shareholders..
The profit they reported will go down the drain, to be used to repair the damage TS Erika caused. It is disappointing consumers always bear the cost of repairs.
Whereas we the people are suffering from the causalities of a post-Erika era, this company has the audacity, tenacity and obstinacy to raise rates, by simply saying “well our equipment got damaged” ? Did you not have insurance upon these structures to ensure continued operations? Why was the structural integrity increased after lessons learn from Trop. Storm Ophelia and the Dec 24th rains ? 13.8 million towards your coffers last year after 8M+ the year before, lack of any sort of transparency in your bills, and still we suffer…
NO DOMLEC. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
That’s why Dominican should invest in solar,saves cost plus clean air,we has enough of sun light in Dominica which cost nothing.You have countries like even amerca street lights are solar where Dominica is so dark and thats all we needs.
the lights are sat in canefield waiting to be erected, by the toilet paper factory. You probably don’t notice them as you drive by as they have been sat there soo long
Also conserving water. There are the new light bulbs. People are going, not only green but solar. All conserve energy.
magway sah domlec!
Well is now we finish