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St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) will apply a 15% discount on the basic energy charge on all electricity accounts, applicable for April, May and June 2020.

No value added tax (VAT) will be applied to electricity accounts for domestic customers, hotels and guesthouses for the same period, the company announced on Friday.

The state-owned electricity supplier said it is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic will affect its customers financially.

“We are sensitive to the fact that over the coming weeks some customers may experience financial difficulties associated with the COVID-19 crisis,” the company said in announcing the measures.

VINLEC further announced a moratorium on disconnection of electricity service to customers whose accounts were not in arrears by more than 60 days before March 20th, 2020.

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“All other customers should contact VINLEC to discuss payment terms,” the company said.

It further stated that it will waive the reconnection fee for all customers whose accounts were previously disconnected.

And, customers with renewable energy generating systems will see a corresponding reduction of 15% in amounts paid by VINLEC for the energy that is purchased by the company.

VINLEC said that customers who are directly impacted by the financial fallout as a result of COVID-19 should contact its offices via telephone number 456-1701 or our toll-free number 377, or email [email protected].

The company further said it has taken steps to safeguard the health and safety of employees and the public as well as to minimise the potential for the spread of the virus.

Among other things, VINLEC has placed markers at its corporate headquarters in Paul’s Avenue to allow for the minimum 3 feet physical distancing.

It has also installed protective barriers at cash desks and receptionist, telephonist and customer care associates’ workstations.

Surfaces such as door handles, Customer Service areas, and kiosks, are cleaned hourly at the corporate headquarters.

VINLEC has also set up two hand washing stations at the corporate headquarters and the headquarters is thoroughly cleaned by the contractor, using approved cleaning products.  

Staff has also been trained by the Ministry of Health to sanitise any suspected contaminated work area that is critical to operational continuity.

Employees have also been provided with a hand sanitising product.

“VINLEC will continue to monitor the developments of the pandemic locally and globally and intends to follow the guidance provided by the relevant health agencies,” the company said.

2 replies on “VINLEC gives 15% discount, suspends VAT until June”

  1. Nathan Green says:

    With the lowest priced diesel fuel for 20 years recently, which VINLEC use for the generators, the price of electricity should have fallen by 50%. This is not a matter of giving people a discretionary discount. This is a matter of charging people the proper price for what they are buying.

    I think the Vincentian people have been stiffed and gouged.

  2. VINLEC cannot suspend VAT. They can make it inclusive in the sale price, i.e. absorb it themselves, and pay it themselves, but suspend it, only the government can do that.

    Why do we continually get fed this deceptive rubbish.

    The diesel fuel is currently lower priced than ever, time to knock a further 25% off the electricity prices.

    People are not working and cannot afford to be overcharged, even by VINLEC or the government.

    Play the game please, and play it straight, cut the price of electricity now. Don’t pretend it is some kind of concession, it most certainly is not, the price is based on cost of fuel input. Please stop fooling the people.

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