BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

The Free National Movement (FNM) protested against the Grand Bahama Power Company’s proposed rate hike yesterday, demanding that regulators reject it.

Party leader Michael Pintard, along with supporters and residents, marched to the headquarters of the Port Authority and the Power Company in downtown Freeport on Thursday evening.

As he delivered a signed petition opposing the 6.3 percent increase in the base rate, protestors shouted: “Enough is enough!”

Mr Pintard, whose request to meet with GBPC executives was turned down, accused the power company of “punishing” residents with high power rates and poor service.

He said Bahamians throughout the country are also facing the same situation with BPL.

“The power cost is too high. Right now, in the Bahamas, both BPL and the Power Company are charging Bahamians rates that they ought not to be charging,” he said.

“So, we are saying the price is too high, the increase is way too high. But how can you have the heart to ask for an increase in the midst of what is possibly the worst period of services you’ve ever experienced?”

Mr Pintard said even as a decision is about to be made in court regarding who will be the regulator in Grand Bahama—whether URCA or GBPA—the FNM is asking both to deny the GBPC’s application.

“URCA recently approved an increase in the price for Bahamians throughout the rest of The Bahamas to raise money in order for the government to pay back an illegal loan they made to the corporation. When we asked them to explain: ‘Did the government fully repay the loan, and on what basis did you give them permission to raise BPL prices?’ we heard crickets. We did not get a complete explanation.”

He said the GBPA has failed in its duty to hold the Power Company accountable.

“GBPA is no better because we have asked them a number of questions in the past as to why they permitted this company, the GBPC, to raise rates.”

Mr Pintard also criticised the GBPA for failing to implement measures that Grand Bahamians have long demanded, particularly greater transparency regarding the insurance money the company received after Dorian and the Storm Recovery and Stabilisation charge that customers are still being charged.

He questioned whether GBPA has qualified personnel to monitor and determine whether the GBPC is complying with its agreement.

Shanendon Cartwright, deputy leader, said the FNM will continue to stand up and speak out against rate increases and load shedding in Grand Bahama. “We continue to fight with you,” he promised.

Kwasi Thompson, MP for East Grand Bahama, called for penalties to be imposed on the Power Company for the poor services provided to customers.

Residents have been significantly impacted by the frequent outages, which have caused damage to appliances. Businesses have also suffered financial losses.

He indicated that the GBPA, the regulator, is supposed to hold the Power Company accountable.

“So, why is the Power Company not penalized for these outages? In Canada, the parent company was penalised for their bad service. Their service is not good; their service sucks. So, they must be held to account,” said Mr Thompson.

A High Rock resident and former businessman stated that his business was forced to close in 2010 due to the high cost of power. He also reported that two of his televisions were damaged as a result of frequent outages and power surges.

Iram Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama, urged Grand Bahamians to unite against the issues that affect them. “Do not take whatever is shoved down your throat. Stand up, speak out, and together we will make a difference,” he said.

Mr Pintard said both the GBPA and GBPC know many Grand Bahamians are hurting.

“The petition will be one way to get more Grand Bahamians to register their outrage and disgust. We fully expect the GBPA—if the court rules they are the regulators—to reject this increase. We further believe that the Power Company will hear what we are saying today, and they are going to amend their position. We are confident. If they are not prepared to hear the people and feel their pain, we will be back,” he said.