Browne Criticises Opposition Plan to Cut Electricity Bills, Warns of Financial Strain on APUA

Prime Minister and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party leader Gaston Browne has criticised a proposal by the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) to reduce electricity bills, warning that the plan could place significant financial strain on the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).

Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Browne said the opposition’s proposal to cut $3,600 from each household’s electricity bill would cost tens of millions of dollars and is not supported by any clear funding plan.

“Well, they say they’re going to take off $3,600 off of each consumer’s electricity bill… you can do the math… you’re talking about millions of dollars,” Browne said.

He argued that APUA is already under financial pressure and relies heavily on government support to maintain operations.

“APUA currently can’t meet its obligations… APUA is currently subsidized by the central government,” Browne said.

The prime minister outlined a range of existing subsidies, including government payments for infrastructure upgrades and ongoing support to offset rising fuel costs. He said the government is currently subsidizing diesel at about $3 per gallon to keep electricity prices stable.

Browne also pointed to delays in transitioning to a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, which has forced APUA to continue using more expensive diesel fuel, further straining its finances.

“So they’re making losses,” he said, adding that the utility is also investing heavily in water production and infrastructure projects.

He warned that removing a major portion of APUA’s revenue without replacement funding could have serious consequences, including job losses.

“Are they then going to retrench APUA workers? APUA provides employment for over 800 persons,” Browne said.

Browne questioned how the opposition would finance the proposal, saying voters have not been told where the money would come from.

“Where is the compensatory income going to come from?” he asked.

He also defended his administration’s management of APUA, saying the utility was near bankruptcy when his government took office in 2014 but has since returned to profitability.

“It is my administration that actually returned APUA to profitability… they’re making $20, $30, $40 million a year,” Browne said.

The prime minister described the opposition’s proposal as unrealistic, arguing that while it may appeal to voters, it is not financially sustainable.

“It just sounds good… but how do you sustain it?” Browne said.

The opposition has not publicly responded to Browne’s comments.