I WOULD like to point out that as a result of estimating and interim billing by Barbados Light and Power (BL&P) and the new rate structure, that the consumer can be overcharged as I recently experienced.
I had only interim statements and estimates for three months from December to February followed by and actual reading of the metre for the March bill.
The result was a hefty charge for the fourth month as their estimates were wildly out due to my consumption increasing in the winter months when visitors arrived.
The adjustment of my bill through underestimating my consumption during that period has caused my energy charge to be placed in higher brackets.
There are now four consumption brackets under which consumers are charged instead of the one in the past and range from first bulk kWh at $0.184 per kWh going up to fourth bulk at $0.29 per kWh.
The consumer should check their bills to ensure they are not being charged in the wrong price bracket as a result of underestimating monthly consumption.
GEORGE GLEADALL
