The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) on Wednesday provided an update to the public on its ongoing electricity rate review.
The sole electricity company in Dominica, DOMLEC, submitted its application to the commission in 2021 for a rate review.
“So, the IRC is legally mandated by the Electricity Supply Act No: 10 of 2006 to conduct a thorough and transparent assessment before approving any rate adjustments,” Executive Director of the IRC Justinn Kase said while addressing a press conference held at the IRC’s Office located on Cork Street in Roseau. “Current stage of the review, so far the IRC has completed detailed evaluations of DOMLEC’s depreciation of its fixed assets, rates of return for investors, revenue requirement and investment plan.”
According to Kase, as part of that review, the IRC hosted three stakeholder consultations to ensure consumer voices are heard.
“Out of these public consultations we now have final decisions on four critical tariff submissions by DOMLEC,” he revealed.
In addition to that, Kase indicated that DOMLEC has submitted its two final submissions to the commission for its review.
“That is, its cost of service study and the rate proposal,” he stated. “This will require further consultations to the public before any approval of the rate.”
Furthermore, Kase explained that the cost of service study and the rate proposals comprise the final stage of consultations.
As it relates to the key considerations in the review, Kase explained that the IRC is focused on protecting consumers while ensuring DOMLEC can maintain and improve service reliability.
He said the factors under review included the fuel cost, the renewable energy integration, operation efficiencies, and the impact on inflation.
“The review considered how proposed changes will affect residential, commercial, and industrial customers,” Kase noted.
He added, “We are also assessing how the rate structure can encourage energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy.”
Case mentioned that the process has thus far gone very smoothly.
These companiea need to fire some directors, lower their operational cost instead of living off the backs of people. The heads of domlec, social security and other companies have made a very good life for themselves built their homes so go easy on the upcoming generation.
To raise electricity rates at this time on a people who cannot even provide adequately for their families is abusive.
The longer this idiocracy remains in control the greater the probability of hunger, malnutrition, diseases and existing on the periphery of life.
Dominicans are the most taxed people in the Caribbean. Those who are fortunate t have a job will soon take home $0.00 after taxes, fees and bills.
This pending increase in electricity rate is immorally slipping indirect taxes into the price of goods we cannot do without. Wicked, heartless, unfeeling autocracy.