The ACM sets maximum tariffs for distribution of electricity in the Caribbean Netherlands
The Authority for Consumers and Markets ( Autoriteit Consument & Markt (ACM)) has set the maximum tariffs for the distribution of electricity in the Caribbean Netherlands. The tariffs will apply as of July 1st, 2021.
The ACM sets maximum tariffs for the production and distribution of electricity in the Caribbean Netherlands. The distributors set the tariffs which they actually charge on the basis of these maximum tariffs. In this process, the utility companies also include any subsidies on the electricity tariffs. For instance, due to corona, the costs of the network will be fully subsidised in 2021 and no network tariffs will be charged to customers.
The ACM will adjust the maximum tariffs for the usage of electricity as of July 1st in order to be able to take into account the development of the prices for fuel which is required to produce electricity. Fuel prices plummeted in 2020. However, in 2021 fuel prices are rising again. Therefore, the maximum variable usage tariffs will rise in all islands on July 1st, 2021.
Bonaire
The maximum variable usage tariff for Bonaire will rise from USD 0.2554/kWh to USD 0.2948/kWh. The maximum Pagabon tariff (prepaid) will rise from USD 0.4589/kWh to USD 0.4983/kWh. For the usage of an average household on Bonaire this means a rise of approximately USD 10.00 per month.
St. Eustatius
The maximum variable usage tariff for St. Eustatius will rise from USD 0.2736/kWh to USD 0.3224/kWh. For the usage of an average household on St. Eustatius this means a rise of approximately USD 12.00 per month.
Saba
The maximum variable usage tariff for Saba will rise from USD 0.2851/kWh to USD 0.3692/kWh. For the usage of an average household on Saba this means a rise of approximately USD 21.00 USD per month. This rise is not only due to the rise caused by fuel prices, but in part also due to a post calculation related to the solar park which was put into service. In retrospect it turns out that Saba Electric Company (SEC) generated insufficient income relative to the costs which had to be incurred at the time. This one-time post calculation regards approximately one third of the rise of the maximum usage tariff and is now fully offset.