Dear Editor,

In light of recent discussions surrounding the financial obligations of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the implications of customers not meeting their payment responsibilities, I felt compelled to express my thoughts on this critical issue.

First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that APUA does not take pleasure in disconnecting customers from their services. This reality is not just a corporate policy; it reflects a deep commitment to the communities we serve.

APUA has consistently shown its willingness to work with customers facing financial challenges, offering payment plans and support to those who reach out.

This level of understanding demonstrates APUA’s recognition of the human element in the services they provide.

However, it is crucial for the public to grasp the broader picture: APUA, like any organization, has its own financial obligations that it must uphold.

The truth is that APUA is also a customer in many ways, reliant on timely payments from its user base to continue delivering essential services.
Without these payments, the organization cannot meet its operational needs or ensure the sustainability of its infrastructure.

What might come as a surprise to some is the staggering operational cost APUA faces monthly. Reports indicate that these costs hover between EC$31 million and EC$32 million, a considerable sum that includes necessary expenditures for fuel, energy, equipment, spare parts, and the critical workforce that keeps operations running smoothly.

On average, APUA spends at least EC$400,000 every weekday on fuel alone for the generators that provide electricity to homes and businesses across the island.

This hefty financial burden underscores the importance of a reliable revenue stream.

When comments surface suggesting that APUA is neglecting to procure fuel for its generators, it is essential to approach these claims with a more informed perspective.

APUA has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to securing the resources required for service provision, but this can only be achieved through the collective responsibility of the community to pay their bills on time.

This situation places a deep financial strain on our public utility service, potentially compromising the services that countless individuals and businesses depend on daily.

Our community thrives when its citizens actively support and contribute to the systems that support them.

By fulfilling our payment obligations, we are not merely settling a bill; we are playing an integral role in maintaining the infrastructure that powers our homes, lighting our streets, and ensuring the smooth operation of our businesses.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the many customers who consistently pay their APUA bills on time. Your commitment is vital in allowing services to continue uninterrupted across the island.

It is through your diligence that APUA can meet its operational costs, pay employees, and invest in necessary upgrades and improvements to the infrastructure that supports our community.

To those facing financial difficulties, I encourage you to reach out and communicate with APUA.

There are options available to ease your burden. In these times, it is more important than ever for us to stand together, support one another, and find solutions that benefit everyone.

This message should not serve to chastise but to evoke a sense of shared responsibility.

We need a collective understanding that our contributions are vital to the well-being of our community. Let us cultivate a culture of cooperation and accountability that ultimately benefits everyone.

In closing, the next time you consider your APUA bill, remember that your timely payment plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of essential services. We all have a part to play in the financial health of our public utilities.

Sincerely,
Lakisha Rawlings