fp Turks and Caicos

Disappointed that the governor postponed considering its request to increase rates by 5 cents per kilowatt hour on Grand Turk and Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Utilities Ltd. has requested an independent review of its request.

TCU said the rate increase is to recover the costs the company incurred in the restoration of the distribution system after damages caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008.

The governor decided not to consider the increase until after an ongoing review by consultant Oxera of the country’s electricity regulations.

The government says the objective of the review is to develop a fairer, appropriate and more transparent regulatory regime for the delivery and financing of electricity services throughout TCI.

TCU invoked section 34(4) of the Electricity Ordinance, which placed the legal obligation on the governor to appoint an outside expert to conduct an inquiry into the reasonableness of the tariff proposal.

Appointed to conduct the inquiry was Dr. Virendra Ajodhia, a regulatory economist with doctorate in energy economics and a master’s degree in power systems engineering.

The government said Ajodhia has a solid economic and financial background and extensive hands-on experience in the power utility industry. He was previously a regulatory economist with the Dutch Energy Regulator and more recently has advised widely on regulatory policy design, price and quality control implementation, tariffs and benchmarking in the areas of electricity, gas and water across the Caribbean region.

The tariff inquiry will take place between Aug. 22-29 in accordance with the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance. Ajodhia will have the same powers to summon evidence, take evidence on oath and require documents to be produced as have commissioners performing a public inquiry.

A public meeting for Grand Turk residents has been scheduled at the Anglican Dillon Hall on Aug. 23 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Those wishing to present evidence should contact Malike Cummings at the government’s Electricity Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 946-2801, extension 10821, to book a time slot to speak.

Another public meeting will be held on Salt Cay on Aug. 24 at the Community Center (Salt Shed) between 1:30-3:30 p.m. Residents should inform the district commissioner or the secretary if they wish to express a view so that as many people as possible will have a chance to speak in the time available. Call 946-6985 or fax to 946-6911.

Residents who cannot attend can submit evidence by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Photo: Hurricane Ike damaged most power lines on Grand Turk in 2008. (Richard Green/Staff)