The Public Utilities Commission (PUC), on Wednesday, achieved its full complement as two new commissioners – Dr. Leyland Lucas and Verlyn Klass were sworn in before President David Granger.
The commissioners were sworn in before Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar and fellow members of the PUC.
During brief remarks, President Granger stated that the commission is “the guardian of the public interest” and is vital to protecting the public interest by ensuring the reliable delivery of public services such as water electricity and telecommunications.”
The Head of State noted that public utilities must be regulated in the public interest.
Firstly, to ensure that these services “are accessible, adequate and provided on a non-discriminatory basis; second, that costs, fees and tariffs associated with their provision or sale are reasonable; and third, that these services are regular, reliable, efficient and safe.”
He said that the commission, under Section 24 of the ‘Act’, is vested with the power “…to initiate and conduct investigations into the operations and standards of service of any public utility and telecommunications undertaking.”
President Granger said the “Government expects that the Commission will continue to ensure that citizens’ welfare will be continuously enhanced through the provision and delivery of public utility services.”
The Public Utilities Commission, in accordance with the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016, is tasked with regulatory, investigative, enforcement and other functions conferred by the Act and other public utility laws.
It is comprised of a chairman and four members.
