Dominicans should be paying more for electricity from March 1, 2011 as long as an expected hike in fuel prices from PDV Caribe takes course.
PDV Caribe, a distribution subsidiary of Venezuelan oil, supplies fuel to Dominica’s sole electricity company DOMLEC.
A rise in its fuel prices means that Dominicans may have to pay three percent more for electricity, according to DOMLEC’s General Manager Collin Cover.
“I cannot say why there is an increase,” Cover said, but noted that a contract between DOMLEC and PDV Caribe has been renewed with an increased charge for fuel.
But Cover has not expressed optimism that the PDV’s position will change despite more than a months-long negotiation.
“I must really commend Minister [for Petro Caribe Reginald] Austrie. He seems to have been trying to help us as much as he possibly could, but I think where we are now, I don’t think there’s going to be much change in the position from where I see presently,” he said.
Consumers should see higher costs on their bills in March or April.
Haven’t you noticed………the only way prices usually go is UP. Venezuela is very poor right now and Chavez is capitalizing on their one countable resource……oil, at the expense of countries that they do business with. Time to look for other sources DA.
Here is my problem with companies like Domlec. They are so used to doing the same thing over and over, they get comfortable in perpetuating the status quo. The world is changing rapidly around us, but we are stuck in the same world of our forefathers.
That is where the government should step in to rattle their cages a bit. Not too long ago we all thought there was space for only one telephone carrier in Dominica. Cable & Wireless had a free hand to do as they pleased. The same for cable TV.
The time is ripe for the government to open up electricity generation to competitors. They can sell the power to Domlec. The government would force Domlec to purchase all the power produced from non- fossil fuel sources, provided it saves the consumer money.
They need to move Domlec out of their comfort zone. They are way too comfortable.
i thought that petro caribe was suppose to make electricity prises better….instead i hear about an increase…if indeed petro caribe was subsidizing fuel price…then i guess its pay back time…how the hell did we negociate that…hmmm
ACCORDING TO THE PRESS RELEASE BY DOMLEC A COUPLE YEARS AGO DOMINICANS WILL BE ENJOYING REDUCED ELECTRICITY BILLS BECAUSE OF AN ARRANGEMENT WITH PETRO. WE ARE YET TO SEE THAT DECREASE. YET DOMLEC HAS BEEN REPORTING MILLIONS IN PROFIT….QUESTION ANYONE??????? HE DOSEN’T KNOW Y? HMMM. HE BLAMIN PETRO AN D GOV’T. WRONG ENTITY BLAMED.
Funny how we sometimes rush to conclusions and jump on the government without knowing ALL THE FACTS!
I asked a few questions and found out that PETRO CARIBE had been subsiding the cost of fuel to DOMLEC since its inception and now they are to pay the stipulated cost as negoitiated in the contract.
But did we hear this in the reports? NO! We only focus on the negatives…. God help us all.
Burrrrr,
With all due respect, something tell me that the masses are not concerned about the finer details of the contract. They only know that the minister said that the cost of electricity would go down, and now, it’s going up. The masses rightfully depend on their representatives to understand and interpret these contract details.
Really AC?
So what the hew and cry about the details of the MOU between Dominica and China? If your analysis is correct of what the masses want, then they would only be interested in the projects which will be funded and not the fine details of the contract right?
my brothers and sisters tighten ure seat beats as the flight is about to descend to another destination popularly referred to as ” d next level” thats wat we wanted so God is good all the time!
bomboclat
DOMLEC, it’s not your fault. It’s our own grievious fault.
thats a very good move…..i admired the raise…Please Domlec could you raise the rate to 15% please as dominicans are so damm ignorant and are very elated about the raise
they are thanking god for prime minister skerrit..
dominica is honoured and is a leading fore runner globally in the ignorance field…their sudden elevation towards the Highest point for being ignorant has even cause the stock exchange a shock wave on wall street….
hahahaha
hahahaa
boy u not easy! you have a way of putting things
but you right. Dominicans are the DUMBEST living things on this planet… in my opinion
So you calling yourself dumb as well!! I mean it is a free country, we can express ourselves but before you write , think!! Because I am sure you are Dominican too. So what does that mean?
now more than ever , we need alternative sources of energy……….
And you thought that Chavez controls the oil prices? He doesn’t. Neither does OPEC or the Saudis. The elite (Queen Elizabeth, Princess Beatriz, Rockefellers, Rothchilds, etc) own and control the oil interests of the world. And to top it off,
There is no shortage of oil in this world. There are loads of oil reserves.
The only salvation for DA is thermal energy.
LADIES, AND GENTLEMEN WELCOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yes yes all that is part of d next level that this labour party have 4 us dom ni chien.I HOPE THEY C WAT IS HAPPENING IN THE ARAB WORLD.THEIRS IS NEXT…COOL WASH EN CHOU YO!
haha
yeah
and that new Chinese Mayor we going to have
I think his name is FAN CHOU MOUN!….. acording to my good friend rom last year
hmmph, all i can say
This has literally brought tears to my eyes. I thought the Minister Austrie said that the price of electricity will decrease once the Petro Carib tank farms are set up?
I have just received a 3% increase on my monthly salary which is nothing compared to the handsome increase which the elected leaders got on theirs a few years ago. The blasted cost of living in this country is increasing daily, jobs are scarce, money is not circulating in the general economy and added to this a 3% increase on the cost electricity!
So what must people do to live decently in Dominica? Do drugs? Sell their bodies and souls? I must say: It is becoming too difficult to live in this island.
Money circulates only in the ‘OTHER’ economy. something must be done quick, fast and in a hurry! We need to break this yoke that is over us in Dominica.
GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES!!!
excuse me!
nobody ask you to peel onions while watching DNO
Well when the majority of Dominicans speak, they are saying that the government is doing so much, and they care about the people, so it seems that’s what they want. They are loyal supporters no matter what, but all I know the plight of all the people should be the concern of the government all around.
you see
I always say is stupid us Dominicans stupid
see Guadeloupe they protest for important tings like rise in pay, etc…
but us now will protest for the government and the opposition
why not protest for rise in pay so we can afford to pay our bills
or for a cheaper source of electricity cause we have the resources
or for a free-port or lower custom duties
I agree to that one. But believe you me, when Dominicans cannot take more, they will stand up for their rights. That is pure nonsense I hearing there and the damn bill raise since last month. They all knew that was going to happen, it was part of their perfect plan. Just keeping raising everything in the damn country, already most of the population unemployed. Kill the working class people with more increases except salary. God is good God. The people of Egypt could not take no more!! When Dominicans cannot take no more, we will do what we have to do!!!!
Well how much worse does it have to get for us Dominicans to see, understand, admit and then stand up? I think it has gone far enough, it is quite plain. There is so much of corruption, lies, lack of accountability, lack of transparency, overshadowed by some development, that Dominicans are blinded and they can’t think for themselves and assess what is happening. They see some improvements and they think so much is being done, but you have to look at the negatives with the positives, and there is a whole lot of negatives. Think back to 10 years ago, how life was, what our society was like, and see what was the better situation. Look back and see how Dominica and our lives have changed in so many respects, because of outside influences among many other things.
Too many Dominicans too political to stand up for thier rights and some receiving benefits and influencing their friends that the government is the second coming of jesus christ. But again what’s the alternative… This is the real problem in this country because I truly believe that if there was a good alternative to the DLP that they would be out but instead we have the opposition crying bobol every chance they get and now assasination and wire tapping (which they used when they won the election and later james was fined approximately 70 thousand, my memory is a bit shabby as i was alot younger then) right now with all the violence that has taken place I doubt any revolt will happen as people want peace at least until the sting of being broke kicks in
Too much greed and selfishness going on in this world. Most of which, is brought to you by the globalists and their schemes. They can read people like a book and program them. That is what has happened to societies. Just look worldwide. People are disconnected, they don’t care about their neighbors or families and unless they wake up and get reconnected again, we are all doomed. This has happened time and time again throughout history and the fall of different civilizations. Time is short.
Let not your hearts be troubled my friends, fellow countrymen, Dominicans. You’ve been lied to over and over again, and yet still, for those of you who are bought, blinded and brain-washed, you are yet to come to the realization what you’ve brought on yourselves. Your pain is a product of your ignorance that you are yet to confront. I’m afraid there is much more to come. Geothermal energy could have been a reality a long time ago. Instead, your government fooled you on that subject and pocket the gains with their lawyers through deception. The trade winds could easily generate energy on the island, instead monies swindled for their own interests. Question, what will it take for you to demand accountability from your elected leaders? Instead, you choose to destroy those who inform and educate you on the corruption that has engulfed all departments of your government. There’s still time for you to reflect on your action and where you would like your country to go. Just a thought.
What i want to know is our Government screwing us by getting it cheap from Venezuela and profiting on us at the pump? Dem fellas wicked enough to do that.
Bless
Do you know right now there has been serious inflation in Venezuela? Everything has gone up! Our students studying there, let them tell you of their experiences and you will know.
This is very disturbing news indeed. When the price of oil goes up, the cost of commodities go up as well. When small businesses sell refrigerated goods, this affects the price in goods because they must meet their electric expenses. In addition to the augment in electricity, VAT will be added to this as well. This is very sad. Everything goes up except the salaries and spending power of the masses of the Dominican people.
Where are our experts and scientists in this country? We need to seriously pursue radical changes to our dependance on oil but to explore geothermal energy. The people must actively pursue hydro, solar and wind energy. Iran has invented it’s electrical cars as well as other countries, it is time for us to start thinking into the 21st century. We know for example, Brazil has began using sugar cane if I remember correctly to make oil etc. It is time to tap into this!
Thanks for reading.
How gullible can you really get? Did you really believe for a minute that a political party in Dominica of all places, could control OIL prices? What, Dominica’s government is even more powerful than the Saudi Royal Family? WAW!!! In that case, my little country is moving too darm fast for me.
So let me get this straight, someone tells you that the price of oil will not go up, and you say, OK Mr. Austrie, I agree sir…now you have my vote…WAW!!…Give me a break!!!! When are you going to challenge none sense when you hear it as opposed to waiting until it bites you in the ass? Our people are been played by all of the politicians.
HAHAHAHAHA… HAHAHHAHAH…. AHHHAHAHHA. LAst Laugh on All you DUMb AS*** that put them in power. And when next election come, all you gonna forget the bad times, because allu would have a red clinic. By the way, where is the red clinic? Another way they con allu. HAHAHAHHAHAHHHAHAH
It seems to me that Dominica has much potential for self-sustainable energy production: wind, wave/water, solar and geo-thermal. If the leadership of Dominica is either unwilling or unable to direct such efforts then perhaps it should get out of the way and make it easy for the locals to set about producing their own energy through these and other eco-friendly means.
Actually, maybe the price increase will be enough to push forward projects that create energy independence for Dominicans, not dependence.
I certainly hope so.
What hurts here is that AUSTRIE PROMISED that Petro Caribe (Caribay) would result in REDUCED OIL prices. What a LIE!
I bet you are one of those that TAKING US TO THE NEXT LEVEL… time to cry eh???
BACK TO MY BOUZAI, IS A GOOD THING I DOH THROW IT, FOR MY MEAT I WILL BUY SALT. FOR MY COLD DRINK, I WILL PUT THEM OUTSIDE AT NIGHT FOR DEW
Second that notion.. Smoke fish and meat tast darn good. Let us light our bouzai.. Back to basics
So the whole world moving towards the light, and you moving away from it?
Well the light getting toooooo expensive, can’t afford it. Despite all the promises that were made, we are in the dark and we will stay in the dark, light going up, gas and oil prices will continue to rise, while we fall.
What did the DLP promised us on their MANIFESTO at the Last Election?. Well, well that’s more blows but one thing all of us suffering SKERRO can’t held them . The DLP said the reason for PDV CARIBEE is DROP IN ELECTRICITY & LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) BUT EVERYTIME THERE IS AN INCREASE IN THESE COMMODITIES WHICH THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY TOLD US THEY WILL BE CHEAPER. You all remmeber MIn AUSTRIE, SAVERIN & SKERRIT say these will be cheaper. We are suffering and yet more increase with these LITTLE WAGES & SALARIES WE ARE GETTING.
I wonder what the supporters are saying they FOOL US badly as a LABOURITE I SEE NO way why I should support that VOLEI PARTY AGAIN THEY JUST SUCKING US UP.
WE NEED HELP TO MUCH INCREASE SKERRIT CAN’T PROTECT US HE ON HIS WAY OUT fighting for the constituencies of Colihaut & Soufiere but he wil get Colihaut because the guy just got his green card. But I will not support them again they too dam thief.
ebeh WEH MAMA LA VIEGE ….YO KAY CHE NOUS EN LA DOMINIQUE…PAPA BONDIE SOVE’ NOUS
Yes I blows on us! Lord help us, increase again.
So, What was the purpose of the PDV distribution plant again? Can anyone tell us because Dominicans have an extremely short memory. When the leadership of a country lack maturity to seive through documents and, not sound bits to cause rejoicing because of a few people were going to get employed and, a promise of lower feul cost then this will be leadership we all can depend on. Manufacturing concerns like Colgate palmolive will soon evaluate whether production in Dominica is viable. The thing is Dominica will be shaken at the core when this occur, but we need to understand that the business persons are concern with profits and if the government does not deal with rising cost of living driven by cost of fuel, food etc, it matters not whether you are supporting Red, Green or Blue it will hurt everyone. Now is the time to ask the tough questions and stop playing politics and cry behind closed doors or deal in illegalities.
You must be a student of business….This little piece is worth repeating: “we need to understand that the business persons are concern with profits and if the government does not deal with rising cost of living driven by cost of fuel, food etc, it matters not whether you are supporting Red, Green or Blue it will hurt everyone.” Accountability is the key…
Thanks but I’m a humble observer who loves Dominica beyond colors, and it is about time we take something from the Tea Party; make all politicians who seek our votes sign a list of things each constituency needs. This list would have to come from members of the community that have the village interest at heart. After the election the list should be nationalize such that discussed nationally to decide what is practical and will benefit the country at large. Should any politician deviate from this method of taking care of our country’s needs, they will be voted out next election. We are in a better place to know what we need as constituents than politicians, because after their victory they are busy learning on the job and making partisan decision to align themselves with the party senior members. Finally, we need to have an oversight committee comprising of members of each party for balance and reporting purposes, and after each seating a report should be made public via print and web aka GIS website for everyone to see what is being done. You see we can help create our model to successfully govern our country, but do we have the political will; this is not just for politicians but also for Dominicans on a whole. It is time we get out of this “uneding while loop” as we say in Computer Science Programming.
A report card maybe? Something that the politicians and the voters can use to grade as time progresses. Maybe a project(s) schedule? Maybe periodic updates and possible removal from office at the midway point if half of the objective is not met. Great idea. Puts a lot in the hands of the voters, forces the elected officials to perform. It might not be as flexible, but I like the idea. Does the voting public possess the necessary level of sophistication to make this successful? Just axxxxing!!
AC I believe it will have to start somewhere and what better place than us. You sound like an wise person and although with your wisdom their will be much resistance we need to start with our inner circle of friends by letting them know the objective is not one surrounded by colors, but is to build a country that we can be proud of tomorrow. Right now I live in NY and though I am miles away my heart is with my people. The majority mean well even they are terrified to standup for the right thing in a selfless manner. Further, the potential for victimization is high but try we must. Now, on the matter of the report card I agree it will have it’s challenges, but at least is somewhere to start. The next step would be for debate among friends and hopefully in the general public because given the current high cost of living is not sustainable. Simple put I just believe as young men and women allowing politicians to carve a niche for supporters does not help anyone and we need to have an open mind while discussing these issues. I am of the belief if you approach someone with aggression the same will be returned to you, and so we need and inclussive debate on issues not for the benefit for any party but for our future. The time to stop allowing talk show host/politicians from taking control of the debate is now because we can do it if we come together. I know some people might read this and say what is this guy smoking, but before I use to be very pessimistic about life and still life did not change so why not try optimism. We need to stop standing and allow people to run our lives and hate when we are called to stand up and do something about it. Note it does not have to resort to violence instead dialoge that puts politicians on notice.
Change we can believe in LBP,
I am in complete agreement with you. There are many that are quite clear and would like to help reduce (hard to say stop) some of the ills that our people have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of crooked politicians. A report card of some sort, with solid attainable goals based on campaign promises endorsed by both the politician and his constituents would help keep them honest. Much like one’s employer would hold an employee accountable by helping that employee set attainable goals and holding him accountable. Elected officials are employed by the voters. It’s about time they be held accountable.
I am also physically away from home, but the heart shall never depart. I don’t think we should allow our physical absence to deter us. Change can be affected from anywhere in the world these days, given the power of the Intrnet. For example, is there any reason why a report card for every elected official cannot be developed? Do we have to live in DA to contribute to the development of that report? It is very doable. The biggest hurdle would be to get advocates that are blind to the political colors that are causing division. They should hold Dominica and the advancement of its people very dearly, and should be able to garner the right amount of influence. At least one such advocate in each constituency would help make this report card a reality.
The goal is to find the right people who will effectively conduct the business of the people who elected them and holding those people accountable to perform. If politicians knew that they would be graded based on their performance, and possibly kicked out of office prematurely for nonperformance, they would probably make a better effort to make their campaign promises reality.
Let’s continue this dialogue.
Doctor, reading your comments gives me hope because people like you and others make me feel some semblence of pride to be Dominican. As my Trini friend would say,” The dog with the teeth never seem to get the bone” and this comment is analogous to people with talent/passion/leadership never seem to be serving their country. Also, there is one ingredient missing in our development as a country and that is to listen to everyone, yes even the layman/woman on the streets have great ideas too. I will do my part in NY to keep the dialogue alive and objective devoid of colors, because that is where the country needs to be now; mature thick skin individuals discussing issues without feeling that they are about to loose their valuables because it is not about any individual, but rather the country as a whole and until Dominicans near/far can understand that talking will continue to be a futile exercise. May yahweh bless our country.
IT SEAMS THEY REALLY TRYIN TO KILL US IN DOMINICA
next level nothing new . what mr austrie saying now
i remember charlo advocating lower electricty cost for Dominican’s when the government in office twisted Domlec hand to sing n agreement with perto caribe for reduce fuel prices which were more compettive that texaco. well their wish was granted and now what, an increase in the cost of fuel.hum i wonder what the false profits has to advocte at this time. remember how they all preached on the air waves about this wonderful deal which was approved in our mother land.viva, long live hugo.
I thought the whole purpose of Petro Caribe as stated by the politicians, is to protect us from increased rates due to higher fuel prices… From what I gather Petro Caribe is just another oil and gas company set up here to suck on the dry bones of poor Dominicans. Where is the cheap fuel that was promised to DOMLEC?
Please remember all the speeches and promises when Petro Caribe was being established. Empty promises… what a shame.
so prices keep on rising and when someone wants to take the initiative and provide their selves with there own energy(solar.generator)they have to register a license.Pure greed.
What all you think nuh? Someone has to pay for the free LPG they distributinng to all and sundry! Good times doh last forever carmem!
Does labourite that do that to Dominica. Them @@@ and fooshet they have in Dominica that cause that to happen to us. They increase electricity, put Vat, now more increase and Dominica still owing petro caribe how much money. Egypt style now
Yeah
those idol worshipping labourite simpletons
no brains
So whay isn’t DOmlec trying to wean itself from that level of dependence on fossil fuels. I have read about electricity generation from micro-dams, wind and solar energy. Surely it warrants exploration. These would be long term investments that yield results long into the future. That way they ensure a stable supply of power without the costs associated with riising oil prices. Oil after all is a diminishing resource and the prices are headed in one direction.
Doctor, all these are good suggestions, however DOMLEC would have done cost benefit analysis with the ideas you suggest and compare it against keeping things the same way. now what they would probably find out is that adding the financial risk aspect to repay a loan at an exhorbitant interest to construct such systems it would be more feasible to leave sleeping dogs alone and not tamper with their projected annual profits. Again we cannot fault DOMLEC they have a simple model like a 400 x 400 relay race to pass the batton to the consumers. Why mess with that? What we need to do is ask our government to source outside utility company interest in the areas you mentioned with certain key incentives like tax breaks and partnership to level the playing field, but that would be in direct contravention to their agreement with Petro caribe. I venture to say the latter because these people are not stupid to have a contract signed without some kind of protection from compitition. Let us hope our technocrates had the sense to limit it to a few years to allow bringing new investments to lower cost in a competitive market. Good idea nonetheless.
I agree with your position. My problem is, when you have a cost-plus pricing structure, there is no incentive to tamper with your business model. It is far easier to tack on the added cost to the consumer. But as I said, it you think prices are rising now, wait until the price of oil hits $150 to $200 a barrel.
As you said, we don’t know the details of the contracts they signed with Domlec or Petro-C. But if they had foresight, they would include a sunset clause to allow for possible competition later.
The cost of solar panels are dropping and will continue to drop. It would be a shame to not take advantage of the abundant sunshine we have in DA.
To Piper and Change we can believe in LBP: Very constructive discussion, I always know that Dominicans are bright, intelligent people. Keep it up.
We recently saw a caption “relief coming for northern residents” haha, is that relief to? What next! will soon see an increase in the petro caribe gas. Where there is a base of customers, nothing is free…….. We getting to the next level.
meself read that news about relief coming…so i was taken aback now to read that new news..Alas Dominique!! one of the most expensive electricity rates in the caribbean…yet one with one of the most water!!!!!!!
Here comes the Next Level. Rising prices encore! Domlec is like a Parro.They cannot stop sniffing
money from the Dominican people.
What does that have to do with Domlec?
Chavez suckin’ it to all u !!!