Barbados Light & Power Challenges Fair Trading Commission's Rate Increase Decision in High Court

The Court yesterday ordered a stay in proceedings as the Barbados Light & Power (BL&P) challenged the Fair Trading Commission’s decision that has rejected the full rate increase it has been seeking.

The appeal matter between the power company and the regulator went before Justice William Chandler who also made an amendment to the consent order to include the intervenors in the matter, and transferred it to the Commercial Division of the High Court. That court will set a date of hearing for the substantive matter.

The granting of a stay by the High Court yesterday, means in essence that the status quo remains in place, where the interim rates being charged will continue until the Commercial Court judge makes a final determination in the matter.

The BL&P has gone the unprecedented court route after failing to get the FTC to grant it a 11.9 per cent rate increase, first applied for in 2021. It is appealing the FTC’s February 2023 ruling in which it decided on that interim rate increase, with the provision that should its final determination be less than the interim amount, the BL&P would then have to reimburse Barbadian consumers the difference. (AC/SD)