T&T Electricity Commission: Protected list ministers 2015 -2025
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has confirmed the existence of a "protected list" of customers who were exempted from disconnection for outstanding electricity bills, saying the list was expanded between 2015 and 2025 to include government ministers, Members of Parliament and private companies. "T&TEC has sought legal advice on this matter and will be guided by same as the President may be required to act on the advice of the Cabinet," the statement said. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to treating all customers equally.
The issue first surfaced in Parliament on Monday when Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar alleged that T&TEC maintained what she described as a secret "protected list" of customers whose electricity supplies could not be disconnected. She said the matter came to light during the Government's review of issues involving Flavorite Foods Ltd, chaired by former PNM treasurer Andre Monteil. According to the Prime Minister, Flavorite Foods had been placed on the protected list, along with several former government ministers, MPs and contractors involved in financing and constructing Balisier House.
Former public utilities minister Marvin Gonzales acknowledged that T&TEC maintains a list of certain high-profile customers but disputed the Prime Minister's characterization of it. He said he had been informed the list exists solely so that ministers, judges and diplomats can be contacted if their accounts are flagged for disconnection or other unusual activity. "Those customers ARE NOT AWARE that their accounts are flagged for this purpose because it is an internal matter with the Commission," Gonzales said, adding that he had never been informed his account was flagged and had consistently paid his bills.