Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer will face the press on Tuesday, August 25, amid growing public outrage over significantly higher electricity bills received by customers this month.
In a statement issued moments ago, the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) acknowledged the shock caused by the latest bills and stressed that its employees are also feeling the financial impact.
“As we are also customers of our own service, many of our staff have felt the impact as well,” the Corporation stated, adding: “We hear you. We understand. We are in this together.”
According to the BVIEC, the press conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. to provide further clarity, address customers’ concerns and outline the way forward.
BVIEC explained that the Government’s three-month fuel subsidy assistance programme ended in May 2026, with the final subsidy reflected in bills issued in June.
According to the Corporation, electricity bills are now reflecting the full impact of rising global fuel prices resulting from the ongoing US-Iran conflict, a clear indication of the relief previously provided by the Government’s intervention.
The announcement follows an outpouring of frustration from consumers on social media, with some reporting their highest electricity bills to date.
“$438 fuel surcharge?!? How do they expect people to be able to survive?” one resident questioned.
Another consumer said their bill increased despite disconnecting the water heater and limiting air-conditioning use, while a third lamented: “My electricity bill this month is the highest that I’ve ever paid.”
BVIEC previously disclosed that the August bills cover electricity consumed in July, when its fuel cost climbed to a record $3.9609 per gallon. Total fuel expenditure reached approximately $6.07 million, resulting in a record net fuel surcharge of $0.27606 per kilowatt-hour, even after the Corporation absorbed more than $1 million in fuel costs.
The Corporation has announced that a credit will be applied to customers’ September bills to help ease the financial impact. Details on how the credit will be calculated and applied are expected before September billing.
In a statement issued moments ago, the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) acknowledged the shock caused by the latest bills and stressed that its employees are also feeling the financial impact.
“As we are also customers of our own service, many of our staff have felt the impact as well,” the Corporation stated, adding: “We hear you. We understand. We are in this together.”
According to the BVIEC, the press conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. to provide further clarity, address customers’ concerns and outline the way forward.
BVIEC explained that the Government’s three-month fuel subsidy assistance programme ended in May 2026, with the final subsidy reflected in bills issued in June.
According to the Corporation, electricity bills are now reflecting the full impact of rising global fuel prices resulting from the ongoing US-Iran conflict, a clear indication of the relief previously provided by the Government’s intervention.
The announcement follows an outpouring of frustration from consumers on social media, with some reporting their highest electricity bills to date.
“$438 fuel surcharge?!? How do they expect people to be able to survive?” one resident questioned.
Another consumer said their bill increased despite disconnecting the water heater and limiting air-conditioning use, while a third lamented: “My electricity bill this month is the highest that I’ve ever paid.”
BVIEC previously disclosed that the August bills cover electricity consumed in July, when its fuel cost climbed to a record $3.9609 per gallon. Total fuel expenditure reached approximately $6.07 million, resulting in a record net fuel surcharge of $0.27606 per kilowatt-hour, even after the Corporation absorbed more than $1 million in fuel costs.
The Corporation has announced that a credit will be applied to customers’ September bills to help ease the financial impact. Details on how the credit will be calculated and applied are expected before September billing.
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