A parliamentary enquiry into utilities provider GEBE as called for by URSM faction member Sjamira Roseburg (see Tuesday newspaper) might not be a bad idea at this point. The Mercelina II Cabinet has been at odds with the government-owned company for a while over water and electricity costs as well as billing practices.
Prime Minister Luc Mercelina (General Affairs) had commissioned a comparative study by Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP) in cooperation with Regulatory Authority Curacao (RAC) suggesting there was room for significantly lower rates, but it was dismissed by management based on claims of faulty calculations and figures. In reaction the prime minister even told the Supervisory Board to step down, which they refused.
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten recently announced publication of a Ministerial Decree appointing BTP as Supervisor under the Electricity Concession Ordinance.
She did so after GEBE supposedly failed to submit a requested complete tariff structure proposal.
Earlier, the minister had warned of possible fines and even jail time for obstructing BTP’s oversight. There is now a legal obligation for GEBE to provide relevant information when asked.
Still, ultimately a good working relationship between regulator and company is in everyone’s best interest. Setting prices depends on many factors like operational expenses including maintenance, upgrades and investments where needed. After all, the intention is not to suffer financial losses.
To the contrary, dividend payments are expected by the shareholder. In addition, maintaining sufficient production capacity and a stable power supply in the country obviously has priority.
A parliamentary enquiry will give the committee executing such authority to summons witnesses under oath for hearings. It regards all parties directly involved with GEBE but also, for example, importer SOL concerning the dreaded fuel clause.
Perhaps this way the people and their elected representatives can finally get a bit more clarity on the real picture, rather than just back-and-forth exchanges contradicting each other. Keep in mind that the truth is usually found somewhere in the middle.
