PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten says she already has a direction and a possible solution regarding the fuel cost build-up affecting GEBE customers, but wants the findings and proposed way forward completed in writing before moving ahead.
“I have the answer already and in the price build-up, we kind of have a solution already. I just want to make sure that it's completed in writing,” Heyliger-Marten said during Wednesday's live Council of Ministers press briefing.
The minister said the Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP) has been examining whether the costs reflected in electricity and water bills are properly supported, justified and fairly allocated. She said the review has provided Government with sufficient information to determine where it needs to go next in its discussions with GEBE. However, she stressed that the outstanding analysis must be completed before conclusions are drawn about the fuel costs charged to consumers.
BTP has reported that its fuel clause review is complete, while its base electricity rate study remains underway. Heyliger-Marten said completing the fuel clause review does not mean that every question concerning fuel supply costs has been resolved.
The examination also covers customer rate arrangements, GEBE's billing and financial controls, and how electricity costs are allocated to water production. The objective is to establish whether those arrangements are justified and whether corrections are needed.
Heyliger-Marten said BTP raised questions about the underlying fuel cost build-up and comparisons with other markets. SOL provided some information and requested an extension, but the financial information needed to verify the pricing remains outstanding. The minister said SOL subsequently indicated that it could provide only limited information and had engaged lawyers. She said the company had not fully cooperated with BTP's examination.
Heyliger-Marten explained that SOL owns the fuel pipeline and storage tank used to supply GEBE, meaning GEBE cannot simply ask another company to bring fuel through that infrastructure. She said SOL is the only company supplying fuel through the system and that Government is seeking information from the supplier to establish whether the costs are justified. The minister said the information SOL provided has nevertheless helped Government understand where it needs to go next with GEBE.
Heyliger-Marten also addressed the meeting between the Prime Minister, opposition MPs and SOL, saying the value of such discussions should be measured by the answers they produce. She said an informational meeting may help explain SOL's position, but does not establish whether the prices charged are justified. “The public deserves supporting evidence, not just assurances,” the minister said.
Heyliger-Marten said TEATT and VROMI had already initiated the examination through BTP and that discussions should bring Government closer to answers rather than simply repeat the position being examined. The minister said a full BTP report is expected sometime in November. She noted that BTP has signed a non-disclosure agreement, meaning certain information cannot be disclosed, particularly matters related to GEBE negotiations.
However, she said the report is expected to be publicized once completed. BTP's role is to examine the evidence and provide independent technical advice. Tariff decisions remain the responsibility of the competent authorities and must follow the applicable procedures.
Heyliger-Marten said government's priorities include completing the outstanding analysis and strengthening the framework for utility oversight and transparent tariff procedures. She said she wants the proposed solution completed in writing so that Government can move forward based on the examination and the information gathered.
The minister said the process is expected to move forward soon, while the public awaits the BTP report and the decisions that will follow.
