Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner has criticized the government over rising electricity costs, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda’s continued dependence on fossil fuels is the result of years of failed promises on renewable energy.

Speaking after the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) announced an increase in its fuel variation charge for May, Wehner said consumers are now paying the price for what he described as the administration’s failure to meaningfully transition to renewable energy sources.

“It is always sad when the people pay for a government’s failure to deliver on its promises,” the senator wrote in a social media post on Friday.

According to Wehner, the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party has promised since 2014 to substantially invest in renewable energy to reduce the impact of fluctuating global oil prices on the cost of living. However, he argued that little progress has been made over the past 12 years.

“As a result of this administration’s failure to deliver, citizens and residents must now suffer even higher cost of living due to the increase in APUA’s fuel variation charge,” he said.

The criticism follows reports that APUA increased the fuel variation charge by 70 cents per kilowatt hour for May, citing rising global fuel costs. The charge, introduced in July 2024, is adjusted periodically to reflect movements in international fuel prices tied to electricity generation.

Wehner said greater investment in solar, wind and other renewable energy projects could have reduced the country’s exposure to volatile oil prices and shielded consumers from higher electricity bills.

He also questioned the effectiveness of previous renewable energy initiatives, including government-supported solar programmes, and called for greater accountability and transparency regarding their impact.

The senator’s remarks come amid growing public concern over the rising cost of living and increasing utility expenses for households and businesses across Antigua and Barbuda.