The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) is making significant progress toward completing the electricity rate review as it prepares for a final stakeholder consultation.
The Commission held its first press conference of 2025 on Wednesday, March 12, providing a status update on the ongoing rate review for Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC).
Executive Director of IRC, Justinn Kase informed the media that DOMLEC has submitted its Cost-of-Service Study and Rate Proposal for the Commission’s review.
“So far, the IRC has completed a detailed evaluation of DOMLEC’s depreciation of fixed assets, rate of return for investors, revenue requirement, and investment plan. As part of this review, we hosted three stakeholder consultations to ensure consumer voices were heard. From these consultations, we have finalized decisions on four critical tariff submissions by DOMLEC.
“In addition, DOMLEC has submitted its two final documents for review—the Cost-of-Service Study and the Rate Proposal. Further public consultations will be required before any approval of new rates,” Mr. Kase explained.
Key considerations during the tariff review include fuel costs, renewable energy integration, operational efficiencies, and the impact of inflation. Mr. Kase also emphasized that the IRC remains committed to protecting consumers from unnecessary rate increases, while ensuring DOMLEC can maintain and improve service reliability.
The rate review process will conclude with the IRC’s final decisions on DOMLEC’s Cost-of-Service Study and Rate Proposal. Before that, the Commission will invite stakeholders to provide feedback. The dates for the consultation period will be announced later.
About IRC:
The Independent Regulatory Commission is a government statutory institution that is mandated by the Electricity Supply Act No. 10 of 2006, to regulate the electricity sector. The Commission was formally inaugurated in June 2007. Its mission is to ensure that consumers in Dominica receive the highest quality of electricity at fair and reasonable rates, while also maintaining the financial viability of the electric utility company and protecting the national environment. IRC is the oldest electricity regulator in the Eastern Caribbean.
