In the meantime, BEL hopes to fund the artificially low electricity rates through the collection of arrears which consumers owe the company.
Back in 2020, the company suspended its disconnection policy for customers who fall too far into arrears. They were trying to provide relief to families during the height of the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the chairman, collectively, customers currently owe BEL 35 million dollars:
E. Andrew Marshalleck, SC - Chairman, BEL Board of Directors
"Pre-COVID arrears used to hover around 20-24 million. It went as high as 43 million, almost just shy of doubling. And now it's worked its way back down to about 35 million. But as you can see, that's still significantly higher than what it was. And you're right, the disconnection is a big stick for collection, and we reserve the big stick during the period, preferring instead to engage people and try to work on payment plans. And we still do that. So the disconnection is now being used only if our customers are in arrears for more than six months and refused or don't agree or not abide by a payment arrangement that they've made."
Daniel Ortiz
"What do you find with the average release and customer who always is it? Are they trying to meet that debt, or are they being intransigent?"
E. Andrew Marshalleck, SC
"I think some people are trying to meet their debt. I think people are under financial pressure from COVID. While it's letting up a bit, there is still significant financial pressure. We recognize that. We think a few people just sought to take advantage of the situation."
