Trending/politics· Updated Oct 25, 2026

Padarath Says Proposed Electricity Surcharge Targets High-Use Households

Government proposes a surcharge for high-use residential electricity customers while considering T&TEC rate changes and tackling its nearly $10 billion debt to NGC.

Photo via Guardian · from Economists split on timing of electricity hike

4 reports from 2 outlets · First reported Tue, Oct 20

Summary

Updated Oct 25, 2026

Government proposed a five-cent surcharge for residential customers using more than 3,000 kilowatt-hours per billing period.
TTT News
Padarath said fewer than 10% of households would be affected, while Government has not ruled out broader rate increases.
TTT News +1
T&TEC’s nearly $10 billion debt to NGC remains under negotiation, with economists divided over whether bills should rise now.
Guardian +1
The $60 million electricity rebate programme is under review and may need extra mid-year funding.
Guardian

Automatically summarised from the coverage below.

Coverage

Oct 23, 2026

Economists split on timing of electricity hike

Economists split over how Trinidad and Tobago should handle T&TEC’s $10 billion debt to the NGC, as government and opposition sparred in Parliament over possible electricity rate increases. Ronald Ramkissoon said now is the wrong time to raise bills for already squeezed households, while Patrick Watson argued the debt cannot be ignored and any adjustment should be gradual.

Oct 22, 2026

Govt not ruling out T&TEC rate hike

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath would not rule out higher electricity rates as Government negotiates how to deal with T&TEC’s nearly $10 billion debt to NGC, though he said the issue is being actively addressed. He also said the $60 million electricity rebate programme for low-use households is under review for value for money, and may need extra funding at the mid-year review.

Oct 21, 2026

Public Utilities Minister: Proposed Electricity Surcharge Targets High-Consumption Households

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says Government’s proposed five-cent electricity surcharge will apply only to residential customers using more than 3,000 kilowatt-hours per billing period, affecting less than 10% of households. He also said T&TEC’s billions in debt to NGC are being addressed and that the Electricity Bill Rebate Programme is under review amid concerns about its cost and limited use.

Padarath Says Proposed Electricity Surcharge Targets High-Use Households

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