CEO says Vinlec is more than willing to talk

If the proper forum is in place, the management of the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) will be “more than willing” to sit with anyone representing the interest of consumers.{{more}}

This disclosure was made by Thornley Myers, Chief Executive Officer of the statutory body, as a crowd of protestors and onlookers gathered outside the company’s main offices in Paul’s Avenue on Monday around noon.

The one hundred or so protesters had gathered earlier in the day at Heritage Square and walked to their final destination using the Bay Street route, chanting slogans, carrying placards, and bearing a petition with the names of hundreds of consumers protesting, among other things, the fuel surcharge.

The walk on VINLEC was led by head of the local Consumer Association Junior Bacchus.

He indicated that Monday’s exercise was as a result of a call to his radio program ‘Keeping hope alive’ last Wednesday night by one fed up consumer.

“We want VINLEC to take these issues listed on the petition seriously and deal with them immediately.” Bacchus noted.

The seven-point petition insists that, among other things: VINLEC absorb at least $15 in the base rate that results in the energy charge; that all Value Added Tax (VAT) paid by consumers on their July/August bill be refunded; that the company’s accounts be made available for public scrutiny, and that an independent body be established to inspect the company’s fuel consumption.

Myers, responding to the petition, said that his company was more than ready and willing to deal with the issues.

“All of the issues here we are willing to discuss, but people have chosen the route that does not allow for proper communication.”

Myers was referring to attempts to deal with issues on radio call in programs, which he explained usually become sidetracked due to the emotional nature of the matter.

Following some subsequent discussions, a meeting between members of the Consumer Association and a VINLEC management team has been agreed in principle, on a date to be decided.

Meanwhile, Myers on Monday had indicated that a drop in the fuel surcharge is expected in the future ‘light bills’, due to the fall in international oil prices.

“We are expecting that in the October bills to see a reduction in the fuel surcharge. We would not be able to tell if the reduction would be significant.”