VINLEC offers 15 per cent discount, NO VAT in response to COVID-19

St Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) has announced a 15 per cent discount on basic energy for three months, as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a release dated April 17th, 15 per cent discount applies on all electricity accounts and will be for the months of April, May and June 2020.

The release noted several other measures that will be put in place to assist customers.

“No VAT will be applied to electricity accounts for domestic customers, hotels and guest houses for the months April, May and June 2020,” the release said. “VINLEC will waiver the reconnection fee for all customers whose accounts were previously disconnected.”

The release also noted that customers with renewable energy generating systems will also see a corresponding reduction of 15 per cent in amount paid by VINLEC for the energy that is purchased by the company.

The electricity company also announced a moratorium on disconnection of electricity service to customers whose accounts who were not in arrears by more than 60 days before March 20th, 2020.

All other customers should contact VINLEC to discuss payment terms.

“…We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic will affect our community financially. We are sensitive to the fact that over the coming weeks some customers may experience financial difficulties associated with the COVID-19 crisis,” the release said.

Customers who are directly impacted by the financial fallout as a result of COVID-19 should contact VINLEC offices via telephone number 456-1701 or its toll free number 377, or email customerservices@vinlec.com

VINLEC has also taken steps to safeguard the Health and Safety of employees and the public as well as to minimise the potential for the spread of the virus.

These steps include installation of protective barriers at cash desks and receptionist, telephonist and Customer Care Associates work stations, the provision of two hand washing stations and cleaning of surfaces hourly at the Corporate Headquarters.

They have also placed markers to allow for the minimum three feet physical distancing, initiated staff rotation to avoid overcrowding at the workplaces, assisted with the transportation of employees to and from the workplace, provided hand sanitiser for employees and disinfectant to clean work surfaces.

Fabric face masks for all employees were also purchased. Employees were also trained by personnel from the Ministry of Health to sanitise any suspected contaminated work area that is critical to operational continuity.

The company’s cleaning contractor also carries out a thorough daily cleaning with approved cleaning products and an additional telephone line (toll free number) was installed for customer service related matters.

VINLEC also developed  a business continuity plan that considers several outbreak scenarios for COVID-19.

“VINLEC will continue to monitor the developments of the pandemic locally and globally and intends to follow the guidance provided by the relevant health agencies,” the release said.

**Updated on April 17 at 11:39am to include the 15 per cent reduction in the amount paid by VINLEC for energy from customers with renewable energy generating systems and other measures put in place by the company to safeguard staff members and the public.