Photos & Video: People Gather Outside BELCO
People gathered outside of BELCO on Serpentine Road in Pembroke this morning [Oct 9] to express their concern about the Fuel Adjustment Rate [FAR] increase which took effect this month.
BELCO previously advised that beginning on October 1st, 2023 there will be an increase in the FAR. A spokesperson said, “With the approval of the Bermuda Regulatory Authority, the FAR will increase from the existing rate of 16.513 cents per kilowatt-hour [kWh] to 24.517 cents per kWh. The FAR is comprised of 20.09 cents per kWh FAR and 4.427 cents per kWh Government tax on fuel. This increase of 48.5% relative to the third quarter of 2023 is primarily the result of the mix of fuel necessary to meet demand in light of current and projected engine availability for the quarter.”
Since the announcement, some people have expressed concern about the impact on the island’s already high cost of living, with the Bermuda Industrial Union [BIU] among those expressing concern, with the Union saying they “have serious concerns about BELCO’s latest increase in the Fuel Adjustment Rate,” stating that “this increase will adversely impact the disposable income of each family in Bermuda” and “the cost of living in Bermuda continues to spiral out of control.”
BELCO President Wayne Caine said that since announcing there would be an increase in the Fuel Adjustment Rate [FAR] “there have been several misconceptions and incorrect information circulating,” adding that “customers’ bills are not increasing by 48%, only a portion of the bill will increase, the base rate and other charges will remain the same.”
“It is not a 48% increase on your total bill. It’s a 48% increase associated with the FAR only,” he said. “As an example – for the average household it equates to an approximately $52 increase in your bill. For the average household, if your bill was approximately $280, with this increase, the bill will now be approximately $330.
“At BELCO we understand that any increase is significant. However, it is important to know the facts and not be misled by false information that is circulating in the community. If customers have any questions or concerns, they can contact BELCO’s Customers Experience Team on 299 2800.”
Read More About
Category: All, News, Photos, Videos
Has anyone seen the MP whose name cannot be mentioned but loves demonstrations for the people? It is not as if he has far to walk to participate in the demonstration.
Now imagine a demonstration 100 times or more larger if a windfarm gets approved, goes operational, and the electric rate at a minimum doubles.
Anyone seen the lazy lazy lazy obaubp at any protest?
The UBP was dissolved over a decade ago. We are no longer in the 1960s. Please try to keep up.
LOL…the UBP doesn’t exist.
Apparently they’re “all” white…which is a very bad think in racist Bermuda.
LMFAO, you are hilarious. You can’t do anything on your own, have to rely on the opposition for that, but then complain, because you hate white people.
Need more ppl to be able to make an impact.
When is the next march and who we marching against supermarket price increases, or the banks?
After getting pepper sprayed the march on demand crowd have demanded an upfront fee before marching to help with their BELCO increase and I don’t blame them – 30 to 6 – everyone if getting paid even BIU, so pay and then we will march see
Where is MP Hayward and MP Famous and Rev Tweed?
When you need them
So sad to see this happening in Bermuda
More people at the Swizzle Shindig. SMH
Proud of my fellow Bermudian people for demonstrating!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!
The people of Bermuda should not have to choose between putting food on the table or having electricity. Both are precious commodities as is water to drink! BELCO has the monopoly and should be made by The Bermuda Government/Regulatory Authority to work on feasible ways to keep prices at an affordable rate for all.
The cost of living on the island is horrendous and it is becoming more and more evident that the regular working class people are struggling to survive there.
These are some serious times!
Wake up Bermuda Government!!!
PLEASE HELP YOUR PEOPLE
HEAR THEIR PLEAS
HEAR THEIR CRIES
WORK WITH THEM
THEY ARE FED UP
CAN’T YOU SEE!!!
You got what you voted for.
It is AMAZING!! What exactly will come out of this protest? What will BELCO do about HOW THE PEOPLE FEEL? In observing the protesters, WHERE IS THE SUPPOSED diversity on this island who should be present at this protest?? These hard-working individuals are doing this for a worthwhile, valid and necessary reason! Foreigners , could care less about Bermudians’ woes!! Bermudians who have protested have done this UNSELFISHLY!!
When you pass this same supposed diverse group on the streets of Bermuda, there is NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT!!
There is a curiosity about the deliberate lack of involvement of foreigners concerning Bermudians an their plight!
BERMUDIANS…..PAY ATTENTION!!
LOL
You need meds, honey.
We’re worried about you.