Minister says SOL withheld financial data sought in fuel-cost review

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten said fuel supplier SOL has declined to provide all financial information requested for a Bureau of Telecommunications and Post review of GEBE electricity rates and fuel-related costs. According to the minister, SOL provided some information, sought more time to answer BTP questions, then said it could not disclose much of the additional material and had engaged lawyers.

Heyliger-Marten said BTP's technical review examines the build-up of fuel costs and comparisons with other markets, as well as GEBE customer rate arrangements, billing and financial controls, and electricity costs allocated to water production. She said part of BTP's fuel-cost work has been completed, while a separate electricity base-rate study remains under way.

The minister said SOL owns the fuel pipe and fuel tank used in the supply chain, and described the company as a monopoly. She said the information supplied had not answered government's questions about whether fuel prices passed on to electricity consumers are supported and justified.

Heyliger-Marten also said a meeting involving SOL, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Members of Parliament did not produce the information she considered necessary to resolve questions about fuel pricing. She said BTP provides independent technical advice, while tariff decisions remain with the competent authorities and must follow applicable procedures.

The minister said she expects BTP's full report in November and intends to release findings that can legally be made public. She said disclosure may be limited by a nondisclosure agreement signed by BTP, commercially sensitive information and negotiations.