The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has confirmed the existence of a ‘protected list’ that shielded certain customers from disconnection due to unpaid electricity bills. Initially, the list was designed to safeguard critical institutions such as government ministries, state enterprises, and foreign embassies.
Over the course of the past decade, the list expanded to include not just institutional but individual figures such as government ministers and Members of Parliament, as well as private sector companies. The criteria for this expansion remains unclear, as T&TEC stated that there is no documented policy or procedure explaining how individuals and businesses ended up on the list.
Notably, there is no published framework governing the ‘protected list’ and no official records exist that detail the decisions leading to the inclusion of these new categories of customers. This absence of transparency has led to increased public scrutiny and concerns over potential preferential treatment for some while ordinary citizens grapple with disconnection for unpaid bills.
In response to these concerns, T&TEC has sought legal advice. The Electricity Act’s Section 5(1) grants the President the power to issue general policy directions to the Commission on matters affecting public interest, acting on the Cabinet’s advice. T&TEC indicated that their future actions will be guided by the received legal advice and any necessary legal actions. Despite the storm of controversy, the Commission emphasizes its commitment to treating all customers fairly and equally.
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