In a closer look at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries’ general administration budget for goods and services, contract employment emerges as the most significant expenditure item across the three-year span from 2024 to 2026.
The revised estimates for 2025 place contract employment at $15 million, up from $13 million in 2024, with a further increase projected to $16 million in 2026. This upward trajectory reflects the Ministry’s continued reliance on specialised personnel to support its administrative and technical operations.
The increase of $2 million between 2024 and 2025, followed by an additional $1 million in 2026, suggests a strategic expansion of staffing resources, likely tied to new energy initiatives and regulatory oversight.
The explanation provided in the Drafts Estimates of Expenditure 2026, indicates that this allocation is intended to “facilitate the engagement of technical and administrative staff on a contractual basis,” underscoring the Ministry’s preference for flexible staffing models in a rapidly evolving energy sector.
Travel and utilities see steady growth
Travelling and subsistence, a key operational item, also shows consistent growth. The 2024 actual expenditure stood at $1 million, increasing to $1.2 million in 2025 and $1.3 million in 2026. This reflects a $300,000 rise over the two-year period, attributed to increased staff mobility for official duties, including site visits and inter-agency coordination.
Electricity costs are projected to climb from $2.5 million in 2024 to $2.8 million in 2025, reaching a projected $3 million by 2026. The Ministry attributes this to higher consumption levels and anticipated rate adjustments. Similarly, internet charges are expected to grow from $500,000 in 2024 to $600,000 in 2025 and $700,000 in 2026, driven by expanded digital infrastructure and remote access capabilities.
Communications and overseas travel
Telephones, while a relatively modest line item, show a gradual increase from $400,000 in 2024 to $450,000 in 2025 and $500,000 in 2026. Official overseas travel, meanwhile, is budgeted at $1.5 million in 2025, up from $1.2 million in 2024, with a further increase to TT$1.7 million in 2026. These figures reflect the Ministry’s participation in international energy forums and bilateral engagements.
Maintenance, supplies and services
Repairs and Maintenance are projected to rise from $2 million in 2024 to $2.3 million in 2025 and $2.5 million in 2026, supporting upkeep of office facilities and equipment. Office Stationery and Supplies will see a modest increase from $300,000 in 2024 to $350,000 in 2025 and $400,000 in 2026.
Security Services and Janitorial Services are both on the rise, with Security moving from $1.8 million in 2024 to $2 million in 2025 and $2.2 million in 2026. Janitorial Services follow a similar path, increasing from $1.2 million to $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
Training and conferences
Training allocations grow from $600,000 in 2024 to $700,000 in 2025 and $800,000 in 2026, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to capacity building. Hosting of conferences, seminars and other functions also sees a steady rise, from $900,000 in 2024 to $1 million in 2025 and $1.1 million in 2026.
Rental and equipment costs
Rental of office space remains stable at $2 million across all three years, while rental of equipment increases slightly from $500,000 in 2024 to $600,000 in 2025 and $700,000 in 2026. Other minor equipment purchases are budgeted at $400,000 in 2024, rising $500,000 and TT$600,000 in subsequent years.
T&T’s financial allocations to international bodies under the category of current transfers and subsidies show a steady upward trend from 2024 through 2026. In 2024, the government spent $6.39 million. This rose to a revised estimate of $6.77 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $7.15 million in 2026. The increase of approximately $760,000 over three years reflects a consistent commitment to global partnerships, particularly in the energy and transparency sectors.
Among the most significant recipients is the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), which receives both an annual subscription and a separate contribution, totaling $0.57 million each year. Other notable allocations include $0.29 million each to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the World Petroleum Council (WPC), and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, highlighting the country’s focus on sustainable energy and resource governance. Smaller but steady contributions of $0.12 million are made to the Committee of the World Power Conference and the Commission on the Geological Map of the World.
The increase in funding shows that Trinidad and Tobago continues to keep a seat at the international table while keeping a close eye on spending. The government appears to be targeting agencies that focus on energy, regional ties, and transparency. As global energy markets change and sustainability becomes a bigger part of policy, these contributions could help build the country’s standing overseas.
Public utilities
The figures for refunds to T&TEC for the rebate on electricity bills show a fluctuating pattern over the three-year period. In 2024, the actual expenditure was $58,015,544. This amount was reduced in the 2025 revised estimates to $54,074,872, reflecting a cut of nearly $4 million.
However, the 2026 estimate reverses that trend, climbing to $60,000,000. This represents an increase of $5,925,128 compared to the previous year.
The dip in 2025 may have been driven by temporary fiscal constraints or a reassessment of the programme’s reach, but the rebound in 2026 suggests a renewed push to expand or reinforce the rebate initiative. Given the volatility in global energy prices and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing households, the increase could be interpreted as an attempt to restore or enhance relief to consumers who rely on this subsidy to manage their electricity bills.
What’s notable in the document is that the 2026 estimate not only recovers the previous reduction but surpasses the 2024 actual by nearly $2 million.
This could indicate that the government anticipates higher demand or intends to broaden eligibility. Without a detailed breakdown of the programme’s beneficiaries or criteria, it is difficult to determine whether the increase is driven by policy changes or external economic factors.
Still, the overall trajectory in the draft expenditure points to a programme that remains central to household support. The rebate is not static; it responds to shifting fiscal priorities and social needs. Whether the 2026 figure holds or is revised again will depend on how energy costs evolve and how effectively the program delivers relief to those who need it most.
