SABA/ST. EUSTATIUS--The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has decreased the maximum tariffs for the distribution of electricity in St. Eustatius and Saba, as of July 1. By contrast, the price of electricity in Bonaire will go up.
In Statia the maximum variable consumption tariff decreases from US $0.3018 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to $0.2450/kWh.
This decrease is mostly caused by today’s low oil prices, ACM said Monday. For households with an average consumption of electricity this translates to a decrease of the electricity bill by approximately $15 per month.
For Saba the maximum variable consumption tariff decreases from $0.2912 to $0.2151/kWh, which will reduce the electricity bills by approximately $20 per month.
Saba Solar park one
For Bonaire the maximum variable consumption tariff increases from $0.2225 to $0.2277/kWh. The maximum prepaid Pagabon tariff increases from $0.4328 to $0.4380/kWh. For the consumption of an average household in Bonaire this could mean an increase of approximately $1.50 per month, the ACM stated.
The maximum tariffs in Bonaire increase slightly due to a shortage of heating oil as a result of which diesel fuel must be used to generate electricity. Diesel fuel is more expensive than heating oil, but due to today’s low oil prices the relevant effect on the tariffs is limited compared to the tariffs prior to July 1, according to the ACM.
The ACM sets maximum tariffs for the production and distribution of electricity in the Caribbean Netherlands. The utilities companies use these to set the tariffs they are charging their consumers.
The ACM adjusts the maximum tariffs for the distribution of electricity on July 1 each year, to take into account the development of prices for fuel needed for the generation of electricity.
