New Tariff Rates Information – ERA – Bahamas Power and Light Company

New Tariff Rates Information – ERA

HomeNew Tariff Rates Information – ERA

Understanding Your New Tariff Rates

What is the Equity Rate Adjustment

The Equity Rate Adjustment (ERA) is designed to create a fairer and more equitable billing structure. It benefits customers by:

  • Ensuring those who use less energy, pay less.
  • Providing a social safety net for our most vulnerable customers.
  • Promoting energy conservation through a new tiered pricing model.

Courtesy of Our News Bahamas

Posted by Our News Bahamas on Monday, June 10, 2024

ERA: Key Changes to Understand

Effective Date

The new rates will be applicable to all electricity accounts invoiced after July 1, 2024.

Duration

The current rates will stay in place until a tariff review is carried out.

Fuel Charges

Updated to ensure that fuel costs are distributed more fairly across varying usage levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is BPL’s tariff being adjusted?

To create a more equitable balance to the current tariff structure (those who use less, pay less), provide a social safety net for BPL’s most vulnerable customers, and encourage energy conservation.

What is the new tariff rate?

Kilowatt Hour Usage (kWh) Current (cents) Revised (cents)
Commercial (including Churches & Arenas)
0-800 15.00 14.50
>800 15.00 14.50
General Service (Large Companies)
0>800 8.70 10.00
800-900,000 8.70 10.00
>900,000 6.20 9.00
Residential
0>200 10.95 0.00
201>800 11.95 11.95
>800 14.95 14.95
Temporary Supply
0-800 16.38 15.00
>800 16.38 15.00

How will the fuel charge be calculated?

The total amount BPL spends on fuel per billing period is divided among the total units of electricity consumed during that period. The first 800 units consumed will be billed at 2.5 cents less than the calculated average, while consumption above 800 kWh will be calculated at 1.5 cents above the average.

How will this impact Value Added Tax on electricity?

BPL only charges VAT on all electricity bills exceeding $400. The less paid for electricity bills, the less paid in VAT.

Does BPL have regulatory approval for the rate adjustment?

The most recent amendment to the Electricity Act, 2024 gives the Minister responsible for BPL authority to adjust the tariff with consultation with the regulator, URCA.

Downloadable Resources

Download the Full FAQs Here

New Tariff Card

Here, you can view the specific rates that apply to various customer classes such as residential, commercial, and general services. This includes the basic rate, fuel charges, and applicable VAT.

  • Residential Rates: From 0 to 800 units, charges vary to encourage low energy consumption.
  • Commercial Rates: Includes specific rates for businesses and public services like churches and sports arenas.
  • General Service: Rates for services requiring high energy demand.

Download the Tariff Card File Here

Contact Information

If you require immediate assistance or have any detailed inquiries about the Equity Rate Adjustment or other services, our dedicated call center team is ready to help you. Reach out to us using the contact information provided below, and we will ensure your questions are addressed promptly and thoroughly.

Phone: 225-5275 (CALL BPL)
Email: customer.service@bplco.com