By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 24th April 2020) — Public Relations Officer at the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC) Gawain Fraites is encouraging persons to practice energy saving tips during the ‘stay at home’ periods of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Whatever you can do to reduce your electricity then do so and that would be a good way for you to not waste because it’s going to be a little higher but whenever you can do, you can still continue practicing your energy conservation tips,” he said during an exclusive interview on Thursday 23rd April 2020.
Fraites pointed out that it would be natural for bills to increase at this time, and shared some examples on how to save energy. “What persons should realise is that because they’re home, their home bill will go up. It’s just natural because they’re home, the children are home… if you’re not using an appliance, if you’re not using the light turn it off.”
Commenting on how consumers have been responding to SKELEC’s payment options outreach, he highlighted that individuals are making payments online, in-person and signing up for the paused payment option (moratorium arrangement). “It’s been really good. What we’ve seen is that we’ve had more persons signing up for our e-based platforms which is really good,” he noted.
Fraites is calling on individuals experiencing financial challenges to make good on the moratorium, which is the company’s three-month delayed payment plan. Accounts deferred from April, May and June would see first payment in July. “We are asking more persons, if you are interested for whatever hardship, reach out to us… the moratorium is for persons who have lost their income or had their income reduced due to this COVID-19.”