The general manager of the St Vincent Electricity Services Ltd (VINLEC) Dr Vaughn Lewis has confirmed that just about 700 homes have had their electricity disconnected across the country over the past week.
in a release over the weekend, the company announced in a media statement that they will be “taking further steps to tackle the issue of outstanding amounts related to unpaid bill balances throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
“In line with standard operational procedures of the Company, customers with consecutive unpaid bills or accounts with a balance brought forward (arrears) become liable for disconnection. During an exercise which began on 24th July, 2023, electricity supply was discontinued only for customers who met the aforementioned standard criteria. Less than two per cent of our 48,581 account holders were affected during this exercise.”
They went on to say that “the Company understands that circumstances may sometimes lead to challenges in payments, and customers are granted a 30-day credit before full payment is required to be made for services rendered. We encourage all customers to make timely bill payments using any of the available payment options. VINLEC remains committed to providing reliable and sustainable services to all customers and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.”
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves criticised the company this afternoon on the Issue At Hand programme on WEFM 99.9 SVG. Gonsalves told the panel that Vinlec should have released a media statement much earlier following social media hysteria which has distorted the truth.
He said that many persons who are not earmarked to be disconnected moved prematurely to pay their bills due to misinformation.
