Delinquent accounts push BVIEC to enforce deposit policy
The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has announced that it will reinforce its long-standing security deposit policy following what it described as a rise in delinquent accounts.
The Corporation announced in a press release issued yesterday that, beginning Monday, March 9, 2026, it will enforce this policy.
“This action does not introduce new fees nor does it represent an increase, but rather the continued enforcement of an existing policy in accordance with BVIEC’s Financial Policy, following an increase in delinquent accounts,” the release stated.
The BVIEC explained that the security deposit is a refundable payment required from customers renting properties in their name. The deposit is equal to twice the estimated monthly electricity bill and is not an additional charge. It serves as a safeguard and is refunded once outstanding bills are finalised or paid in full.
Corporate Services Manager Tamara George-Barry said the policy has always formed part of the Corporation’s operating framework.
“The security deposit policy has long been part of BVIEC’s operating framework. With the rise in delinquent accounts, it is important that we apply this policy consistently to protect the Corporation’s ability to continue delivering reliable service to all customers,” George-Barry stated.
Under the policy, new customers renting properties must pay a minimum security deposit of $200 when opening an account. After six months, the account is reviewed and the actual deposit recalculated as twice the estimated monthly electricity bill. Any difference will be billed or adjusted accordingly.
Existing customers who previously paid a deposit will only be required to pay the difference if their current deposit is less than the recalculated amount. BVIEC noted that updated deposits will be reflected in bills generated from March 9, 2026, onward.
The Corporation conducts routine reviews of customer accounts every six months, with delinquent accounts reviewed weekly. According to the release, the last mass review of security deposits occurred approximately five years ago.
Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager Kamal Haynes said the Corporation remains committed to transparency.
“We want to be very clear that this is not a new charge. It is the enforcement of a longstanding policy that helps ensure fairness across all accounts. Our goal is to communicate openly with customers and work with them,” Haynes said.
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Who said accounts were delinquent. We are keep recycling these people in different position and when they are caught up in scandal it is swept under the rug or turn a blind eye by those responsible for law enforcement.
Deals allegdly are being made it is believed to push the people under the Bus and some Politicians and civil servants get away with with the cookie jar especially if they belong to a certain Political party and I dont mean VIP who aint no better.
But the people continue to pay the price because they all have secrets for each other and cover each other. When is the corporation going to release the list of money Government and certain big buisnesses owe.
There seems to be some misunderstanding here, so it’s important to clarify a few points.
First, delinquent accounts are not speculation. A delinquent account is defined as one that is more than 30 days past due. Like any utility, the Corporation monitors accounts regularly, and delinquency levels are part of standard internal financial reporting and oversight.
The reinforcement of the security deposit policy is not targeted at any political group, individual, government entity, or business. It is the consistent application of a longstanding policy that applies specifically to customers renting properties in their own name. The purpose is to ensure deposits remain aligned with actual electricity usage and to maintain fairness across all applicable accounts.
Security deposits are fully refundable. They are not revenue or profit, and they are not used to cover unrelated financial matters.
As it relates to specific customer balances, including those of government or private businesses, account information is confidential. Like all utility providers, the Corporation cannot publicly disclose individual customer account details due to privacy and legal obligations.
It is understandable that people want transparency and the Corporation has communicated this initiative publicly precisely to avoid confusion or misinformation. The focus remains on applying policy consistently and maintaining reliable electricity service for everyone.