Prime Minister Gaston Browne is urging households in Antigua and Barbuda to reduce their electricity consumption but has acknowledged that some complaints about unusually high APUA bills could be legitimate.
Browne addressed the issue Saturday during the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM amid continuing public concern over increased electricity bills.
The prime minister said households are facing what he described as a “double whammy” caused by higher electricity consumption during the hot summer months and an increase in the fuel variation charge.
He explained that air-conditioning units require more electricity to cool homes and businesses during periods of high temperatures. Longer operating times would further increase consumption.
“During the summer months, you’re going to burn more electricity using air-conditioning units,” Browne said.
He urged residents not to leave air conditioners operating continuously and advised families to monitor the use of lights and other electrical equipment.
“Don’t have your air-conditioning unit running 24/7; otherwise, it is going to increase the cost significantly,” Browne said.
The prime minister said electricity consumption should decline during cooler periods because air-conditioning units would require less energy to cool buildings, even if they are used for similar periods.
Browne also called on parents to ensure children switch off air conditioners and lights when rooms are not being used.
He referred to his own household, saying he sometimes has to switch off lights and air-conditioning units left operating by his children.
Browne said households that fail to monitor consumption should expect their electricity bills to increase.
However, the prime minister acknowledged that higher consumption might not explain every disputed bill.
“I’m not making the case that there may not be some genuine cases of maybe poor meters or inaccurate meters that will result in inaccurate bills,” Browne said.
He said customers who believe their bills are incorrect should present their complaints to the Antigua Public Utilities Authority and request an investigation.
APUA has advised customers to examine their average daily electricity consumption rather than focusing only on the total amount due. The authority said billing periods can vary in length, which may affect the final charge.
Customers have also been encouraged to monitor air-conditioning use, switch off appliances when they are not needed and become more familiar with the information displayed on their utility bills.
Browne said conservation would help residents manage the combined effect of increased consumption and higher fuel-related electricity costs.
At the same time, he said APUA must consider complaints involving potentially faulty meters or inaccurate readings and allow affected customers to have their accounts investigated.
Source: Antigua News Room Households should reduce air-conditioning use, PM Browne Urges Electricity Conservation.