Dominica electricity tariff to change on November 1 after first review since 2007

ROSEAU, Dominica. Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC) has announced that a new electricity tariff, approved by the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC), will take effect on November 1. The company did not disclose the new rates.

The approval is the first tariff review since 2007, even though the Electricity Act requires reviews every three years.

"Despite the inflation over the last two decades, our fixed charges for operations and maintenance haven't been adjusted since; this change allows us to address needs that allow us to deliver a better service," said DOMLEC general manager Dwayne Cenc. He said the approval is essential to maintaining a reliable supply and quality service.

DOMLEC said the revised structure includes lower rates during off-peak periods, and that public education is planned to help customers understand the changes before they appear on bills.

Regulator to watch bills

IRC executive director Justin Kase said the tariff will follow the commission's regulatory framework, and that the regulator intends to monitor customer bills through the end of the year and potentially longer.

He said the exercise will examine whether the expected impact appears on bills and whether DOMLEC is meeting the revenue targets set in the rate review.

"That follow-up matters, because a tariff review is ultimately tested outside the consultation room. Customers experience it through the bills they receive each month," Kase said.

Geothermal shift

The change comes as Dominica adds geothermal energy to its system, which DOMLEC says reduces reliance on imported diesel and exposure to global fuel prices.

"Geothermal is already helping to cushion the high cost of fuel, and we are seeing our prices starting to stabilise due to its increased production," said DOMLEC business development engineer Felix Julien.

Dominica is investing in renewable energy, battery storage and infrastructure with the goal of generating all its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. DOMLEC has pledged clear and timely information on how the tariff will affect bills.