Government statement identifies participating MPs and outlines discussions, but announces no agreement or reduction in electricity bills
PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has defended his meeting with SOL representatives and selected Members of Parliament, describing it as an informational discussion about fuel costs and electricity affordability that would neither replace nor prejudge the ongoing review by the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP).
According to a statement issued about the engagement, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs attended alongside MPs Veronica Jansen-Webster of URSM, Ludmilla de Weever of PFP, Omar Ottley of UPP and Egbert Doran of the National Alliance. Collin Francis and Robert James represented SOL. Support staff also participated.
The statement said other MPs were invited but could not attend because of other obligations. It did not identify those invitees.
Despite discussions about several potential measures, no agreement or specific reduction in electricity bills was announced.
Prime Minister says Council of Ministers was informed
Responding to suggestions circulating on social media about the meeting, Mercelina said the Council of Ministers had been informed and that it discussed the engagement during its Tuesday meeting.
“The Council of Ministers was informed, and the meeting was discussed at our Tuesday meeting,” Mercelina said.
He described the initiative as a response to questions he faced in Parliament and concerns residents raised about their electricity bills.
According to the Prime Minister, bringing coalition and opposition representatives together gave them an opportunity to question SOL directly and explore ways to ease pressure on households and businesses.
Mercelina also acknowledged MP Ottley’s continued engagement on utility matters and invited him to open the discussion.
SOL Questioned on Fuel Costs and Margins
Participants raised questions about fuel sourcing, transportation, storage, pricing benchmarks, supplier margins and deliveries to GEBE.
According to the statement, Francis and James explained SOL’s supply arrangements and distinguished between gross margin and net profit. They identified personnel, maintenance, inspections, leases and investments as expenses paid from the company’s gross margin.
The discussion also examined how any potential savings in fuel supply charges would translate into lower electricity bills.
That question remains central for consumers: identifying a possible saving at the supplier level does not, by itself, establish how much households and businesses would benefit.
The statement did not provide a quantified estimate of potential savings or a timetable for consumer relief.
Fuel Supply Without a Formal Agreement Discussed
The meeting addressed GEBE’s use of heavy fuel oil and diesel, as well as the importance of reliable demand forecasts.
Participants highlighted seasonal demand, new developments, and changes in generating capacity as factors to consider when planning fuel purchases.
SOL also described what it viewed as supply and logistical risks associated with maintaining deliveries without a formal supply agreement.
According to the statement, the exchange highlighted the need for structured arrangements, accurate forecasting and continued coordination between GEBE and its supplier to maintain fuel supply.
Procurement, Margin Limits and Hedging Raised
Other options discussed included competitive procurement, additional storage capacity, a possible maximum supplier margin and fuel hedging.
Participants recognized that these proposals would require technical and financial assessment.
SOL was also asked to consider contributing to community relief, particularly for vulnerable households and seniors. The statement did not announce a commitment from the company or specify an amount.
The proposals therefore remain matters for consideration rather than confirmed measures that consumers can expect to see reflected in their bills.
BTP Process Must Continue, Mercelina Says
Mercelina emphasized that the meeting respected the relevant ministries' responsibilities and would not interfere with BTP’s ongoing supervisory review. SOL, according to the statement, indicated that it was cooperating with that process.
“This informational meeting does not replace that process or prejudge its findings,” the Prime Minister said.
His explanation sets out the government’s stated purpose for the engagement and identifies those who attended. However, the statement does not provide detailed pricing figures, supporting documents or a concrete outcome on electricity affordability.
For residents facing high utility costs, the next question is what follows the discussion: whether the proposals will be assessed, who will take responsibility for that work, and when any resulting savings could reach consumers.
Mercelina thanked Minister Gumbs, the participating MPs, SOL’s representatives and support staff, saying constructive dialogue must remain focused on the public interest.