VINLEC customers in the Southern Grenadines, which was devastated by Hurricane Beryl on July 1, will not receive an electricity bill for June.
The state-owned power company said it would waive the bills for customers in Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island.
The bill would have been due this month.
“This decision comes in response to the devastation caused by the passage of Hurricane Beryl,” VINLEC said in a press statement on Monday.
Customers in those islands have been without electricity since the Category 4 storm ravaged the islands, destroying or damaging 95% of the buildings and knocking down electricity distribution poles and wires.
The electricity generator in Union Island was also damaged and it may be months before power is fully restored in the storm-battered islands, the government has said.
“VINLEC appreciates the patience and understanding shown by customers as we navigate the recovery process. Regular updates regarding restoration, billing and other pertinent information will be communicated to ensure all customers remain informed,” the company said.
This is a nice gesture to Southern Grenadines’ customers. However, if what I hear is true, is it fair for customers on mainland St Vincent to have to pay for the Southern Grenadines’ customers? Are mainland customers responsible for Beryl forming and destroying the Southern Grenadines? All the millions of dollars profits that VINLEC has made over the years to the present, can’t they just waive the the Southern Grenadines June bills without “penalizing” the mainland for Beryl’s wrath? My God!