Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Unveils a T&TEC’s Secret Protected List

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has sparked fresh political debate after alleging that the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) maintained a “protected list” of influential individuals whose electricity services were reportedly shielded from disconnection despite outstanding bills.
Speaking during Monday’s sitting of Parliament, Persad-Bissessar claimed the list contained the names of several prominent figures connected to the previous administration, including former Prime Minister Keith Rowley, Opposition Members of Parliament, former People’s National Movement ministers, members of the Tobago House of Assembly, party financiers and other associates.
According to the Prime Minister, the alleged arrangement resulted in certain politically connected individuals being exempt from enforcement measures routinely applied to ordinary customers who fall behind on their electricity payments.
Persad-Bissessar told Parliament that the revelation raises serious questions about accountability, transparency and equal treatment within the state-owned utility company. She argued that while many citizens faced the threat of disconnection and financial hardship when bills went unpaid, a select group allegedly benefited from special consideration.
The Prime Minister maintained that public institutions must operate fairly and consistently, regardless of a person’s political affiliation, social standing or influence.
“There cannot be one set of rules for the powerful and another for everyone else,” she declared during her contribution.
The allegation immediately triggered reactions both inside and outside the Parliament chamber, with supporters of the Government calling for further scrutiny of T&TEC’s billing and collection practices. Critics, meanwhile, have questioned the claims and called for documentary evidence to be presented to substantiate the accusations.
If proven, the existence of such a list could have significant implications for public confidence in state institutions and may reignite debate over political influence within public utilities.
As discussion surrounding the matter intensifies, attention is expected to turn toward whether an investigation will be launched and whether details of the alleged protected list will be made public.