Cabinet will waive arrears for long disconnected utility accounts
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a policy to wipe out outstanding utility arrears for residents who have been disconnected from electricity, water, or landline telephone services for more than 180 days.
The move is expected to bring immediate relief to households struggling with long-standing financial challenges, while helping to restore access to essential services across the country.
Under the new policy, affected residents will be allowed to reconnect their services without having to repay accumulated debts. Officials say the initiative is part of a broader push to ease the cost of living and support vulnerable households impacted by prolonged service disruptions.
Residents who qualify are being urged to contact the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to begin the reconnection process.
Cabinet said the decision underscores its commitment to social protection and ensuring that all citizens have access to basic utilities, regardless of past financial difficulties.
Authorities are also appealing for public cooperation as the policy is rolled out, noting that the success of the initiative will depend on efficient coordination between residents and service providers.
Hopefully this will be of great help to a lot of families. Going forward lets try not to allow our bills to get so high that we cant pay it off