Cabinet ratifies its decision to reject the Regulated Industries Commission's recommendations for increased electricity rates even after opposition public criticism.
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00:21Cabinet ratifies its decision to reject the Regulated Industries Commission's recommendations for increased electricity rates, even after opposition's public criticism.
00:32One of the campaign promises that we made to the electorate, and we were very clear throughout the election cycle, that at this time an incoming UNC government will not pursue accepting the recommendations of the RIC as it relates to increased water and electricity tariffs.
00:55I can tell you today, the Cabinet has confirmed, I have the confirmation in a minute in my hand, which shows the Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has rejected the RIC's recommendations as it relates to the electricity tariffs.
01:13Minister Barry Padarath says not accepting the tariffs will not have an impact on Suvis, and they are well aware of the $7 billion in debt racked up by the previous administration.
01:23Over the last nine and a half years, that situation has left to languish in terms of the debt was not addressed.
01:32It was just allowed to accumulate year after year, and that is why I say that the former minister is really shameless in terms of raising this issue, because they did nothing.
01:40They left this for us to clean up, and we are not complaining about it.
01:44What we are putting a spotlight on is how did we arrive at that situation.
01:48The second ambit is that we intend on addressing that matter.
01:51Just earlier today, Minister of Planning, Minister of Finance and myself, we met, and there is a payment plan that we will put in place,
01:59but we will want to have active consultation with the stakeholders within the industry.
02:04The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission is reassuring customers that the electricity grid in Tobago remains stable,
02:12following two recent incidents that caused temporary voltage dips in parts of the island.
02:17The first occurred around 10 p.m. on August 6 in the Lowlands area, while the second took place around 1 p.m. on Thursday in Mariah.
02:26The incidents were unrelated.
02:28Restoration efforts at Lowlands were completed last night.
02:31The second event was the result of a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall, which caused a tree to fall onto an overhead line.
02:39Emergency crews are currently on site conducting repairs.
02:43TNTech said in both cases, its protective systems functioned effectively, isolating the falls and limiting the impact to localised areas.
02:54That story takes us to tonight's PeopleMeter.
02:56Tonight, we're asking you, do you welcome the government's decision not to increase water and electricity rates?
03:05To vote, text yes or no to the number 766-4886 or 766-4TV6.
03:12We'll have the results for you at the end of this newscast.
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