Electricity provider in Dominica increases fuel surcharge for customers

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) has announced an increase in its fuel surcharge for customers, saying that several factors have contributed to the hike.

DOMLEC said that the increase in the fuel surcharge, which is published monthly, is calculated using the previous month’s energy consumption, along with the cost of fuel, and that, for the first time, the company is introducing the addition of a geothermal energy cost.

“The fuel surcharge for April 2026 has increased to EC$0.50 per kilowatt-hour, primarily driven by a sharp rise in global fuel prices. Our average fuel cost has increased by approximately 33 per cent since January, largely due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” said DOMLEC’s general manager, Dwayne Cenac.

DOMLEC said that this increase in surcharge costs can be seen from February 2026.

In December 2025, hydro generation accounted for approximately 35 per cent of total energy production, contributing to a surcharge of EC$0.32 in January 2026.

However, it said, seasonal variability resulted in hydro production returning to its more typical levels of approximately 25.5 per cent in March, resulting in surcharges of EC$0.36 in February and EC$0.37 in March, respectively.

The company said that although geothermal energy has now been introduced into the system, its contribution remains limited at this stage.

“While we have begun receiving geothermal energy, the plant is still in its commissioning phase and currently contributes a small portion of our overall energy mix. In March, geothermal accounted for approximately 6.1% of total energy production. As production increases over time, we expect this to play a greater role in stabilising electricity costs,” Cenac added.

In its statement, DOMLEC said that the primary driver of the April increase remains the significant rise in fuel prices and that customers are encouraged to actively manage their electricity usage during this period.

The company said it expects they will soon be able to take advantage of time-of-use billing, where rates will be reduced during off-peak periods, which is late evenings to early morning.

“We urge all customers to conserve energy where possible as we continue our transition from a diesel-dependent system to one that is increasingly powered by renewable energy. These efforts will not only help to manage individual electricity costs but also support a more sustainable energy future for Dominica,” said Cenac.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.