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The Barbados Light & Power Rate Hearing Commences

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ftcBack in May 2009 we underscored the The Important Role Of The Intervenor At FTC Hearings as advocates for the PEOPLE. The fact they are not paid and are expected to engage corporate entities with significantly more resources makes the Intervenors heroes in our eyes.

The long awaited BL&P Hearings under the aegis of the Fair Trading Commission commences tomorrow (2009.10.07), from 9.30AM at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.  The Hearing is expected to continue week-days until 2009.10.23.

The Intervenors are:

– Barbados Association of Retired Persons Inc.

– Barbados Small Business Association

– Barbados Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (BANGO)

– Barbados Consumers Research Organisation Inc.

– Dr. Roland R. Clarke.

– Mr. Errol Niles.

– Mr. Douglas Trotman.

– Canbar Technical Services Ltd.

– Sentinel Group Caribbean Inc.

BANGO has promised to record the hearings as is practicable and make available for the PEOPLE for following. We wish all of the Intervenors the very best. Many of us talk but few are forced to act.

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199 responses to “The Barbados Light & Power Rate Hearing Commences”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    Listened with interest to the PR apparatus of the BL&P going into motion on VOB yesterday. Is it our imagination or have the Intervenors not employed a similar strategy? Seems we have been hearing and reading what Worme and Williams of BL&P have to say more than the Intervenors.

    Does it matter the PR strategy or what happens in the room before the FTC Commissioners?

  2. mash up & buy back Avatar
    mash up & buy back

    I will not be surprised if I found out that stetson babb and david ellis have been paid to do the PR spin for light and power during the call in programme.

    It is disgusting that as journalists they are openly pushing the company’s argument all the time.

    Where is david ellis and his continual quest for this so called balance.

    Remember BL&P used to do a half hour infomercial every tueday and friday on VOB with david ellis presenting it.

    Something smells real fishy down there.

  3. michael Avatar
    michael

    remember fox news was also fair and balanced but they tried to shaft obama at every opportunity Stetson Babbs and David Ellis don’t like the boat being rocked as long as there are alright every one must be

  4. Avatar
    Anonymous

    I listened with interest on 92.9 as someone from BL&P started to say that as soon as they win the case that persons who use ‘luxury electrical equipment’ that they would face a substantial increase in their bill!

    Wow it seems as if they have already won!!!!!!

    Boy I waiting patiently!

  5. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Can John Public attend the hearings?

  6. Chris Halsall Avatar
    Chris Halsall

    Yes — the public is welcome. You can’t speak or ask question, but anyone can observe.

  7. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    @BU Family et al…

    Today’s start of the BL&P Rate Hearing sets the tone for the next two weeks, with Opening Statements by The Company, and most of the Intervenors. (Two Intervenors were unavailable today — one was sick, and one’s wife gave birth yesterday.)

    IMHO, Consumers should be proud of *all* the Intervenors. You have some very talented people arguing for your position. (All as volunteers, I might point out.)

    As promised, today’s session was recorded, and is being uploaded now. The first of three from today is now available at:

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_1_20091007_1_of_3.wma

  8. David Avatar
    David

    Good to know former junior Minister of Finance Clyde Mascoll is around the Intervenors table. His input as an economist and someone who walked in government should be invaluable. We always thought it to be a mistake when he did not play an active role in the FTC Hearing which involved C&W at the time which we believe led to the PCM when he was leader of the opposition.

    We continue to be amazed how as a country we are being asked to invest in this BL&P project which continues to build its model on fossil powered strategies. The Wind Farm Project at Lamberts is a token operation which will generate insignificant power relative to the national grid IF it ever becomes operational. Our leaders need to outline the vision and the plan to develop renewable energy strategies at this time.

  9. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    The second of three recordings is now available at:

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_1_20091007_2_of_3.wma

    I have to say, having just observed the CBC report of today’s events, that there is a *lot* to be said for listening to the entire day’s record, rather than letting the media interpret it for you….

  10. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    The third of three recordings is now available at:

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_1_20091007_3_of_3.wma

  11. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    Further for the record, BANGO’s Opening Statement as skilfully entered into the auditory record by Mr. Douglas Skeete is available at:

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_bango_opening_statement.pdf

  12. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    Thanks Chris.

  13. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    @ROK… Thank you kind sir…

    The more I work with you, the more I realize just how well you know how to play these kinds of (very serious) games…

    And the more I learn from you!

  14. David Avatar
    David

    Would be nice to see some feedback on this particular blog.

    BU will not be able to update the blog today.

  15. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    Can someone remind me as to how Henry Forde became a knight of St. Andrew?

  16. David Avatar
    David

    Very interesting to listen to Clyde Mascoll making the point loans by BL&P are guaranteed by government. The issue of sovereign risk is one we have never heard discussed/explained.

  17. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Here we go again.

    David ellis just shut down a man who was aggressively countering light and pwoer arguments for a rate hike.

    Oh my,we the people….

  18. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    The first of three recordings for day two is now available at:

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_2_20091008_1_of_3.wma

    The morning was occupied by Clyde Mascoll making some *very* interesting points….

  19. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    Second of third recording for day two — between the morning break and the lunch break.

    This is the remainder of Mr. Mascoll’s cross examination, and then the Barbados Association of Retired Persons.

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_2_20091008_2_of_3.wma

  20. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    The third of three recordings for day two — between the lunch break and the end-of-day.

    Public Council and then Barbados Consumers Research Organisation’s cross examination of Mr. Peter Williams of BL&P.

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_2_20091008_3_of_3.wma

  21. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    So… I’m watching the CBC (read: Barbados) TV News again tonight…

    Does anyone have, or know where can be found, the statistics on the number of Bajans who can read sign language?

  22. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    Just for the record…

    The silence has been deafening (no joke intended) in response to my immediate above question….

  23. David Avatar
    David

    Don’t know Chris but we DO know sign language is being taught in Primary Schools in recent times.

  24. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    @David…

    Might you, or anyone, know what percentage of the CBC Evening News viewers are deaf?

    Surely you know where I’m going with this…

    I have several more stones to play (using a Go metaphor) if you don’t….

    (For the record — I myself have a hearing disability.)

  25. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    We are currently trying a video stream of the rate hearing at LES Conference Centre at this link:

    http://www.ustream.tv/bangoonline/channel-ngonews

    It would be good to get some feedback on the usefulness of the stream. I have concerns about the sound but have no means of monitoring it right now. There is a chat at the location.

  26. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    if that does not work try

    http://www.ustream.tv/bangoonline

  27. Hopi Avatar
    Hopi

    On the path to illumination, we should be fighting our way out of this electrical grid…which is the lowest form of energy ELF. It keeps us weighted down in gravity. We should be looking to beam out of here. Shouldn’t we?

    Isn’t that true ROK, Chris Halsall or Squirm the Worme or anybody, anybody?

  28. kiki Avatar
    kiki

    CH
    re hearing disability
    does this mean you can not hear music?
    sorry to pry

    http://555dubstreet.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/cant-take-another-world-war/

  29. Gear Box Avatar
    Gear Box

    Chris you jus’ got a hearin’ disability? Dah ain’ de same t’ing as Hard Ears yah know….

    AAAAAAAAAAAghhhhhhhhhhhhh

  30. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    @Hopi

    You on the right path. What has me is that solar energy is aboout sun and silicon, which is in the sand we have not only on the shore but the one we building with. Yet I hearing all kinds of stories about how hard it is to get the silicone out of the sand.

    In the meantime, a country(ies) that hardly got any sun, developing solar. I think we are idiots to believe that it takes rocket science to extract silicon from sand. Of course you know that is a ploy to discourage us from pursuing it? The thing is, we swallow the propaganda hook, line and sinker; so we not pursuing it.

  31. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    The first of three recordings for day three is available at:

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_3_20091009_1_of_3.wma

    Barbados Consumers Research Organisation’s continued cross examination of Mr. Peter Williams of BL&P.

    (IMHO, skip this one — nothing worthwhile was asked (or even said)….)

  32. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    The second of three recordings for day three:

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_3_20091009_2_of_3.wma

    Canbar Technical Services Ltd. (very worthwhile observations and questions and responses) and then the first half of Mr. Douglas Skeete’s cross examination of Mr. Peter Williams.

    For the record, Doug’s skill in his domain blows my mind!

  33. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    The third of three recordings for day three:

    http://www.ideas4lease.com/reports/ftc/blp_rate_hearing_day_3_20091009_3_of_3.wma

    The second half of BANGO’s Douglas Skeete’s cross examination, and the beginning of Christopher Halsall’s (read: mine).

  34. David Avatar
    David

    We listened to Williams expounding his company’s great interest in RE. Why would BL&P pursue an RE strategy anyway?

    If we accept William’s at his word why the hell would government not demonstrate leadership to date in the area of RE if the BL&P is willing to partner? What are we missing?

  35. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    Once again, the Caribbean Broadcast Corporation (read: CBC; read: Barbados’ (Government Owned) TV station) just doesn’t get it. Or, at least, they don’t report the actual news correctly (IMHO)…

    @David: “Why would BL&P pursue an RE strategy anyway?

    With respect, kind sir, it is in BL&P’s interest to pursue an RE strategy because it would mean they might not have to expend capital in additional generation plant.

    *PLEASE* remember that BL&P has had a proposed wind-farm proposal before the Government’s Town and Country Planning Department for *years*; still awaiting approval, I might point out.

    And, if I may also point out, it was the FTC Chairman who removed the discussion about renewable from the current hearing…

    We are all so quick to blame BL&P for high costs. May I please suggest that the Company *may* not be the root problem?

  36. David Avatar
    David

    @Chris

    Our question is meant to understand what is the root cause. So far we have been hearing bullshit.

  37. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    @David…

    Observe and understand the empirical evidence, and then the bovine excrement becomes transparent….

  38. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    ANy chance of getting a transcript of Day 2’s recording and Clyde Mascolls assault on the ROI, risk and cost of capital?

  39. JC Avatar
    JC

    CH you are something else LOL!

    I find it amusing that persons have made HF a Knight of anything yet he is not representing us Bajans!

    ROK I with you this is pure crap nearly every day the sun shines and this government does not see it fit to allow solar or wind energy to be utilised at a cheaper rate for us poor people!

    David Ellis is a germ he never picks up for Bajans ……he castigated us when it was (and still is) the illegal immigration issue and any other issue that is of concern to us Bajans!

    We are a sorry lot….. what will happen is that sooner or later they will be riots cause when poor people cant feel their own all hell normally breaks loose!

  40. David Avatar
    David

    On what we have seen above Mascoll’s grilling is posted above.

    We have to say Mascoll has been most impressive so far, appears to be well researched and has brought a refreshing enthusiasm to the job. Perhaps it confirms what many believe, Mascoll maybe short changing himself by compromising positions which come with being a politician.

    The fact is we believe Mascol’s interrogation to be bloody brilliant and exposed the system for what it is, BULL SHIT.

  41. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    @BAFBFP…

    We were informed by the Chairman yesterday that transcripts for day one will be available on Monday, day two on Tuesday, etc.

    These are public documents, so you should be able to request a copy from the FTC.

  42. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    CH
    Thnx.. Same too for the wma’s

  43. Hopi Avatar
    Hopi

    @ROK……….My deeply melanated bro, you too are on the right path. Since electricity is the lowest energy frequency that we are operating on, it is necessary for those who need to keep us here in this 3rd dimension for their food, to have us locked into this deadly grid. This electricity keeps us trapped in a dead zone. But since we don’t know this, those in ‘authority’ will keep us in ‘their cave.’

    Standing up for the ‘little people’ is an honourable task for which you should be highly commended.

    BTW, that 2nd Sun appeared sometime in 2003.

  44. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    @Hopi

    The 2nd sun can’t appear and then disappear. Are you saying it can be seen? Coordinates!

  45. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    @ROK

    http://www.zetatalk.com/teams/rogue/nancy433.htm

    some photos of what is supposed to be the second sun, near the real sun. Dont know how legit they are. Could be photo shopped.

  46. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    But Chris,

    Ca dear man, every babajan know ’bout Radio Fusion. I t’ought you did one ah we…! Chupse… LOL

  47. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    @BAFBFP

    Man there wasn’t no Radio Fusion. There was Reddifusion.

  48. Hopi Avatar
    Hopi

    @ ROK…….. I was told by an ‘illuminated’ one that it did appear. And I heard that from more than one source. I personally did not see it therefore I can’t give you coordinates.

  49. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    @BAFBFP… LOL…

    You have to understand the art of cross examination…

    Ensure your witness expresses, into the auditory record, all the facts you’re going to use later….

    (Since BL&P is known to monitor this thread closely, I hope I haven’t telegraphed too much of my strategy…) (smile…)

  50. Hopi Avatar
    Hopi

    @Pat……..Do you often see a blanket of chemtrails in your area?

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