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| St. Kitts and Nevis' Minister of Public Utilities, Dr. the Hon. Earl Asim Martin |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JUNE 8TH 2006 - More than 6,000 electricity consumers are expected to benefit from the exemption of the fuel surcharge on electricty bills.
This was disclosed Thursday night by St. Kitts and Nevis' Minister of Public Utilities, Dr. the Hon. Earl Asim Martin.
In a radio broadcast on ZIZ, Minister Martin announced that Government has taken a decision to exempt from the fuel surcharge, all customers whose monthly usage/consumption is below 150 KWA with effect from 1st June 2006.
A few months ago, Government introduced the fuel surcharge and explained then, that Government wanted to share the burden of the high cost of fuel, which has an impact on the generation of electricity.
"Such is the reality of the situation that is not peculiar to St. Kitts and Nevis but one that affects the entire OECS and CARICOM," said Minister Martin.
He said the Government understands the effects of the surcharge and it is for this reason that it was so reluctant to introduce the charge although other member states began to impose the surcharge since 2000.
Since its introduction, the Government has said it would review, with a view of assisting those most vulnerable in the country, to be able to afford the basic consumption required for basic living, while maintaining a feasible/practical and responsible fiscal position for the government.
At the end of the annual Labour Day March in May, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas announced his Labour Party Government's intention to exempt some consumers from the electricity surcharge.
Dr. Martin said that the governing St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party is one that represents all levels of society especially those who are most vulnerable.
'In this regard, the Party in Government remains consistent with that policy and has placed high priority on its fiscal stabilisation programme and has curbed expenditure in a variety of areas. Against that backdrop, the St. Kitts-Nevis ~~Adz:Right~~Labour Party Government has decided to assist those most vulnerable customers," said Dr. Martin, who noted that implicit within this particular policy position, is an urgent need for customers to practice strict and meaningful energy conservation and that persons who conserve, will stand to be rewarded either by getting exempted from having to pay the surcharge, or by a receiving a reduced monthly electricity bill.
"The effects of this new policy will only become noticeable in the bills for June to July, for those who qualify by falling within the particular category," said Dr. Martin, who pointed out: "Once your consumption exceeds 150KWA for a particular month, you will have to pay the full surcharge for that month." Bills for the month of June will be posted in July.
Dr. Martin said to remain exempted, "customers must practice conservation techniques and efficient management of electricity consumption in their homes"
He said that it is expressed wish of the Ministry that all customers become more concerned about their use of electricity, bearing in mind that the amount paid is based on the usage or the number of units of energy burnt.
Over six thousand (6000) customers, out of 16,103 consumers, according to present consumption statistics, would benefit from the exemption policy.
"However, even more persons stand to benefit if they are willing to exercise conservation of energy," said Minister Martin, who further disclosed that very shortly the Government will articulate a comprehensive policy on energy conservation.
"Remember fuel costs increase almost everyday on the World Market and although these costs are not immediately reflected in our energy pricing, it is incumbent upon all of us to be wise in our methods of electricity consumption," said Minister Martin.
