BARRY Padarath, Minister of Public Utilities, says the government will put in place a payment plan for T&TEC to address its $7 billion debt to the National Gas Company (NGC) as its gas-supplier, replying to questions at the post-Cabinet briefing at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's, on August 7.

In his initial presentation, he said cabinet was now reaffirming the UNC's campaign promise to reject the recommendations of the Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) for a hike in tariffs for the supply of electricity and water to consumers.

Newsday then asked about former minister Marvin Gonzales' call for the government to say what it would put in place of a tariff hike in order to funds the ever-rising cost of operations at T&TEC and to address its $7 billion debt to the NGC.