New electricity rates go into effect on July first, and the good news for most is that your bill will not increase. In fact, those who burn less than 500 kilowatt hours a month, about 50 thousand consumers, will see a decrease in their bill. That's more than 75% of BEL's subscribers. Much of that comes because the $10 monthly service charge is being discontinued. A look at this table shows that the less you use, the lower the rate. Those at the higher end of the consumption chart will see increases of up to 2%.
At a press briefing today, PUC Chairman Roberto Young outlined the findings and told us that the PUC seeks first to protect consumers.
Roberto Young, PUC Chairman
"Keeping the same pattern of usage, anybody using a 150 kilowatt hours would find some level of reduction in their bill. The higher end, below 600 kilowatt, will see a slight increase. We are balancing at, however by our Public Utilities Act we need to take the interest to take the interest of the consumer into account. But yes, we need to listen to the utility, we need to keep them viable. We need to listen to government, we need to listen to the people, we need to listen to the public outcry there so yes, we do take everybody's consideration, and try to come with an optimal solution as possible."
And while the $10 monthly service charge is gone, there will be a $5 flat rate charged on consumers whose bills is less than $5 per month. The PUC's final decision comes after BEL objected to the initial decision. After that an independent expert had to be brought in. His findings helped shape the final decision which as we said goes into effect on Sunday.
