BTP completes GEBE fuel-cost recalculation, final decision pending

Heyliger-Marten said BTP received enough information to independently check fuel-clause calculations for the review period, including when the billed rate reached about Cg 0.49 per kilowatt-hour. The material includes procurement, production and generation data, fuel invoices and supplier-premium information, she said.

The minister said BTP examined GEBE’s existing methodology and operational data, compared calculations with regional Heavy Fuel Oil and Light Fuel Oil benchmarks, and assessed supplier premiums against market benchmarks. Initial analysis identified the allocation of energy costs linked to water desalination and supplier markups as areas needing further scrutiny, she said. BTP has opened a regulatory inquiry with the fuel supplier on those pricing structures.

Heyliger-Marten said a non-disclosure agreement allows BTP to examine GEBE’s commercially sensitive records without preventing Parliament or the public from receiving the findings, conclusions and recommended remedies. She said Parliament will receive relevant findings after the regulatory process is complete.

If BTP finds consumers were improperly charged, possible mechanisms include credits to customer accounts, future rate reductions or other billing adjustments, according to the minister. She said Government cannot decide on a remedy before BTP completes its assessment.

Information from GEBE cited by the minister said no system-wide testing programme has been carried out for electricity and water meters. Individual SMART meters may be investigated after a complaint or Investigation Order, and account adjustments can be made where incorrect metering affected a bill.