By Sharee Theobalds on Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 at 05:01 PM

The Barbados Light and Power Company (BL&P) is advising the public that the increasing global oil prices will have a notable impact on the April 2022 Fuel Clause Adjustment (FCA).

The FCA component of consumers’ bills is a variable cost that is directly influenced by the cost of oil on the global market. 

Due to this, the increase will make it difficult for consumers to escape higher electricity bills as world oil prices continue to surge. The FCA is currently around 45 cents per kilowatt-hour, a 22 percent increase from March.

Director Operations at BL&P, Johann Greaves, stated in a press release on April 8th, that customer bills issued this month will be affected by this 22 per cent rise in fuel. 

"The volatility and uncertainty of global markets have impacted all Barbadians, resulting in this notable rise in the price we pay for fuel to generate electricity, as well as in the cost of oil products such as petrol and diesel at the pumps, and everyday goods that must be transported to our stores and markets," he stated. 

However, many Barbadians expressed their views on the rise in the electricity bill.

Alison Walkes, a resident of White Hill, St Andrew, said, "It is a very unfair situation, to be going through a pandemic, and now this, not everyone can afford to keep in contact with friends and family."

Another Barbadian who requested anonymity said, "It was unavoidable light and power was gunning for an increase for a while."

The BL&P is encouraging consumers to control their monthly bills by monitoring their electricity usage, whether it's by switching to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, unplugging unused electronics, or managing air conditioning usage. 

Greaves also stated that this situation is a clear indicator for the government to press on with its transition to renewable energy by 2030.