BVIEC Boss Dismisses Mismanagement Claims and Defends
BVI Electricity Corporation General Manager Dr. Neil Smith has rejected claims of maladministration and outdated technology, describing the utility as one of the Virgin Islands' most sophisticated statutory bodies. The defense comes as the corporation clarifies its debt collection efforts and addresses public outcry over soaring August electricity bills driven by record July fuel costs.
BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) General Manager Dr. Neil Smith has strongly dismissed accusations of maladministration, outdated technology, and a lack of innovation at the power company as rubbish, while defending the utility's operational integrity and disconnection policies amid growing public frustration over utility rates.
Speaking during a government press conference, Dr. Smith rejected a series of criticisms regarding the utility's fuel procurement, billing practices, information technology, and financial reporting. He described BVIEC as one of the territory's most sophisticated statutory bodies, asserting that its internal IT infrastructure is even more advanced than that of central government.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer supported Dr. Smith's statements, agreeing with his defense of the corporation. Smith also rejected characterizations of the government as an uncontrolled creditor. He explained that any fund transfers from public agencies require extensive documentation and scrutiny before reaching Cabinet for approval.
His remarks followed earlier statements from Minister Rymer indicating central government owed approximately $1.5 million in arrears spanning roughly 90 days. Smith maintained that central government remains one of the utility's better customers with accounts generally kept up to date, marking a substantial improvement from April 2017 when government arrears stood at $13.39 million.
Addressing public concern over recent service disconnections, Dr. Smith clarified that enforcement actions target older debts rather than the sharply elevated bills issued this month. He explained that affected accounts are at least 60 days overdue from prior billing cycles. While apologizing to consumers who encountered unsympathetic treatment from customer service staff, Dr.
Smith stressed that revenue collection remains essential to maintain financial sustainability and fund critical fuel purchases and maintenance. The controversy follows intense community pushback against high August electricity charges. BVIEC attributed the surge to July fuel costs climbing to $3.9609 per gallon, which drove the utility's monthly fuel expenditure to approximately $6.07 million.
The corporation noted that it absorbed more than $1 million in fuel costs on behalf of consumers after a previous three-month subsidy ended in May. To ease the financial burden on households and businesses, the government announced direct account credits for August bills alongside a renewed fuel subsidy for September.
Smith assured residents that BVIEC will apply these relief credits directly to customer accounts to reduce payable balances, while encouraging customers in financial distress to establish manageable payment plans.
Primary source: BVI News