THE proposed increase in electricity rates by the Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) drew mixed reactions from members of the public. However, several small business owners all were unanimous in expressing discomfort with the plans.
Newsday spoke with several small business owners in Port of Spain and St Augustine on Thursday, hours after the RIC held a press conference to announce its proposed rate increase for all T&TEC customers across the board from residential to commercial to industrial.
Kenrick Cumberbatch, who operates Cumberdale Pharmacy opposite the southern side of UWI, St Augustine campus, said the proposed rate hikes was not news he expected as the world celebrates pharmacy week.
“For a small traditional pharmacy like this…it’s not a big establishment so it is going to really take a financial toll on us. The economy is depressed at this time so it’s a challenge for us. Business is not as buoyant as it used to be so, it’s going to really take a toll.”
Asked if he planned to cut back on his electricity usage, Cumberbatch said there is little he can do in that regard.
“We need the AC running as long as we are open and we are open ten hours a day. Probably the most we can look at is switching the dusk to dawn security light to a solar light.”
A nearby doubles vendor, Anand Pariag, said he does not support the rate increase.
“That is too much, everything is going sky high. Food prices are already high, now electricity is going to increase. They are squeezing the poor people. It’s too much now. And just now down the road is property tax. Oh God government, no more!”
Sorina Gonzales, a restaurant operator in Port of Spain said the proposal means she will have to absorb the impact.
[caption id="attachment_1041017" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Sorina Gonzales of Albasha Restaurant in Port of Spain who was among several people interviewed on Thursday over the proposal to increase electricity rates. PHOTOS BY ROGER JACOB - ROGER JACOB[/caption]
“You can’t just increase your food prices like that. As it is, sales are slow and if you increase then it’s going to be tougher than it already is.” Gonzales said there is little she can do to reduce her electricity usage.
“We tried to change all our appliances from electric to gas but (the bill) didn’t change much.”
One coffee shop owner at a mall in downtown Port of Spain, who identified herself as Candice, said her electricity bill is covered in her rental fee, so she expects her rent to increase if the rate increase is implemented.
She said she is at the mercy of the landlord, adding there is little she can do as she has no choice if she wants to keep her business operating.
TRINIS A BIT SPOILED
Some members of the public took a more measured approach, with radio host and entertainer Jerome “Rome” Precilla telling Newsday the rate increase was “a long time coming.” He added that it will hopefully spark a culture change.
[caption id="attachment_1041025" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Entertainer Jerome "Rome" Precilla recogni
