NDP takes credit for VINLEC’s decision to absorb fuel surcharge

Leader of the New Democratic Party, Arnhim Eustace has thanked VINLEC for considering the party’s fuel surcharge recommendation.{{more}}

On January 22, VINLEC’s chief executive officer Thornley Myers announced that there would be a seven cents increase on the fuel surcharge on electricity bills, as deisel use was increased to match the loss of hydro-power, caused by the December flood damage to the hydroelectricity plants in Cumberland, Richmond and South Rivers.

While speaking on the NDP’s New Times radio programme last week, Eustace suggested that the electricity company uses its self-insurance fund to absorb the spike in fuel surcharge, as it is already high.

Last week Thursday, VINLEC’s CEO, at a press conference, announced that the company would be absorbing the extra cost of the fuel surcharge until its hydro stations were back to full operation.

During the New Times programme yesterday, the Opposition leader expressed satisfaction that VINLEC has chosen to cover the extra surcharge.

“We made proposals that one should look at not passing on that fuel surcharge; VINLEC should absorb part of that for a while,” Eustace said. “I am happy that they have done that now but we shouldn’t have had to tell them so. They should have looked into that matter rather than announce you’re going to have an increase in the fuel surcharge.”

Eustace stated that it was because the NDP expressed concern for the situation and made the effort to look into the company’s operations, that VINLEC made its decision. He also felt that people should not be made to pay more on their electricity bills because of a natural disaster.

“The storm is not anybody’s fault. The storm is an act of God so we don’t just increase the fuel surcharge. VINLEC makes no financial contribution. It isn’t fair and that is why we made our proposal and I’m glad that they accepted,” he said.