VINLEC applies subsidy to fuel surcharge rate for June

THE ST.VINCENT ELECTRICITY SERVICES Limited (VINLEC) has announced that, in accordance with measures introduced by the Government to mitigate the impacts of surging diesel prices, a subsidy has been applied to the fuel surcharge rate for June 2026 bills.

On May 27, 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday announced a cost of living package that includes a waiver of customs service charges, and excise taxes on diesel used for electricity generation for an initial three-month period. VINLEC said it will grant additional relief by applying a discount of either 50 per cent or 100 per cent of the value of the customs service charge, that would have been applicable. The discount will be calculated if the fuel surcharge exceeds specified thresholds as follows:

l When the fuel surcharge exceeds $0.71 per kWh,VINLEC will apply a subsidy equivalent to 50 per cent of the customs service charge towards further offsetting the fuel cost.

l When it exceeds $0.77 per kWh, a subsidy equivalent to 100 per cent of the customs service charge will be applied.

These thresholds, the Company explained, represent points at which the subsidy contribution is triggered, rather than a cap on the fuel surcharge rate, which will continue to reflect the fluctuating cost of fuel on the international market.

Prior to June 2026, the highest fuel surcharge ever recorded locally was $0.7259 in July 2022.”We are entering unprecedented challenges driven by global increases in fuel costs,” the VINLEC release pointed out.

In applying the subsidy as outlined the fuel surcharge applicable for June 2026 bills is $0.7378 per kWh.

“While every effort is being made to minimise the impact of these increases, we encourage customers to continue practicing conservation methods where possible.

“ VINLEC remains committed to providing customers with a safe and reliable electricity supply.”

Customers seeking further information are encouraged to contact the Customer Services Department via email at customerservices@vinlec. com, telephone 456-1701 Ext 237, 238 or via Facebook – facebook.com/VINLECSVG.