Public Utilities Minister Nizam Baksh says the Government intends to increase subsidies for electricity and water rates.He made the announcement at Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing. In announcing increased financial help for citizens to pay their light and water rates, Baksh said it was because the Government had a good social conscience."Today, Cabinet agreed to do another review (of the Utilities Assistance Programme) because of the Government's caring capacity and good social conscience," he said.
The UAP is a social intervention strategy introduced by the Government in 2010 to provide financial assistance to eligible citizens to ensure their continued access to water and electricity, the ministry's Web site said.Relief under the UAP comes in the form of a subsidy, which the Water & Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Trinidad & Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) apply to the beneficiary's utility bills.WASA customers using an external water supply are given $140 a year and those with an internal water supply $200. In the case of T&TEC customers, those who use 400kwh or less are entitled to $114 per bill or a maximum of $684 a year.
Recipients were originally beneficiaries of the Senior Citizens' Pension, Disability Grant or any other public assistance from the Ministry of the People and Social Development.Baksh said Cabinet agreed Thursday to do yet another review of the UAP. More subsidies are coming for WASA customers, too, he said. "People can now apply for an extension of grants under the UAP. For instance, the ministry can now provide up to $1,500 for a water tank."Faith-based and non-governmental organisations can also get up to $2,000 for a water tank for their facilities, and Baksh said Cabinet also agreed to extend the range of those who could receive assistance.Anyone who has an income under $3,500 can apply for the grants, he said. Forms are available online and at district T&TEC and WASA offices.