PRESS RELEASE
Roseau, Wednesday 7th October 2026: Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) announces the approval of a new electricity tariff by the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC), to be applied from Sunday, November 1, 2026. This marks an important step in the continued evolution of Dominica’s electricity sector.
Though a tariff review every three years is mandated by the Electricity Act, the last change to the tariff was in 2007. DOMLEC General Manager, Dwayne Cenc, says the recent approval of the new electricity rates is critical to the company’s ability to provide quality service and ensure reliability of electricity supply to customers.
“Despite the inflation over the last two decades, our fixed charges for operations and maintenance haven’t been adjusted since; this change allows us to address needs that allow us to deliver a better service.”
The new tariff structure will be applied in accordance with the approved regulatory framework. IRC’s Executive Director Justin Kase says that the impact will be closely monitored by his organization to ensure that the anticipated outcomes are achieved.
“The Commission intends to monitor customer bills from this period through the end of the year and potentially longer. The exercise will examine whether the expected impact is appearing on bills while also determining whether DOMLEC is achieving the revenue targets established through the rate review.”
He adds, “That follow-up matters, because a tariff review is ultimately tested outside the consultation room. Customers experience it through the bills they receive each month.”
The approved tariff takes effect as the country advances its transition towards a more sustainable and renewable energy-based electricity system, including the introduction of geothermal power into DOMLEC’s energy mix. Geothermal power is an indigenous renewable energy resource that reduces the electricity system’s dependence on imported diesel fuel, which is subject to international market price fluctuations.
According to DOMLEC Business Development Engineer Felix Julien, customers are already experiencing the positive impact of Dominica’s growing use of geothermal energy.
“Geothermal is already helping to cushion the high cost of fuel, and we are seeing our prices starting to stabilise due to its increased production.”
The country’s investments in renewable energy, battery energy storage and related infrastructure are part of a broader effort to achieve the national goal of 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
DOMLEC recognises that changes to electricity rates are of significant interest to customers, and is committed to providing clear, timely and accessible information to help customers understand what the approved tariff means for their electricity bills. Over the coming weeks, DOMLEC will provide customers with additional information on the new tariff, including explanations of the different customer classes, how electricity bills are calculated, the role of the fuel surcharge, Time-of-Use considerations and practical ways customers can manage their electricity consumption.
In the meantime, customers are encouraged to understand their customer class, review their electricity consumption and take advantage of opportunities to manage their energy use. Simple actions such as switching off appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient equipment, and being mindful of when and how electricity is consumed can contribute to better control of monthly electricity costs.
DOMLEC remains committed to transparency and customer education as Dominica continues its transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
