VINLEC Applies Subsidy to Fuel Surcharge for June 2026 Bills

By S.Browne. Updated 4:06 p.m., and 6:02 p.m. Friday,  June 12, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) has announced that a subsidy has been applied to the fuel surcharge rate for June 2026 electricity bills, as part of ongoing government measures aimed at easing the impact of rising diesel prices on consumers.

The adjustment comes in line with a cost of living support package introduced by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which includes a temporary waiver of customs service charges and excise taxes on diesel used for electricity generation. The measures were announced on 27 May 2026 by Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday.

According to St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC), the subsidy will be applied through a structured discount system linked to the fuel surcharge rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Where the fuel surcharge exceeds $0.71 per kWh, VINLEC will apply a subsidy equivalent to 50 per cent of the customs service charge to further offset fuel costs. If the surcharge rises above $0.77 per kWh, a full 100 per cent equivalent of the customs service charge will be applied as subsidy relief.

VINLEC stressed that these thresholds are not caps on the fuel surcharge itself, but rather trigger points for subsidy support. The fuel surcharge continues to reflect fluctuations in the international fuel market.

According to St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC), prior to June 2026, the highest fuel surcharge ever recorded locally was $0.7259 per kWh in July 2022. The utility stated that it is entering unprecedented challenges driven by global increases in fuel costs. In applying the subsidy as outlined, VINLEC confirmed that the fuel surcharge applicable for June 2026 bills is $0.7378 per kWh.

The company noted that it is making every effort to minimise the impact of rising energy costs on households and businesses, while continuing to maintain a safe and reliable electricity supply.

Customers are being encouraged to continue practising energy conservation where possible as a way to help manage electricity usage during the period of elevated fuel costs.

END