Utico is offering 100% deferment of utility bills to consumers who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19. The private power and water company said the deferment decision had been taken after some consumers who lost jobs approached the utility company seeking support.
“We have supported them by offering 100% bills deferment till they find new jobs,” said CEO Richard Menezes.
He noted that Utico has always supported the country and are operating at average 30% lower tariffs than other service providers over the past 15 years.
Menezes added, “However, we have asked these consumers to benchmark their consumption to Green Standards and reduce use to gold standards. If they meet these consumption standards per UN and WHO metrics, a further reward will be offered on a case by case basis.”
This is an opportunity to mitigate climate change, Menezes remarked.
He pointed out that Utico has also offered some COVID-19 affected hospitality consumers who are at standard tariffs, 30% deferment of their invoices during these challenging times, so that they can come out stronger and safer and continue to support the local economy when this crisis ends.
Utico has stood by its stakeholders in good times and will also do so in bad times to be strong and safe so that all can come out stronger and safer together, he said.
“This crisis has spared no one. Hence, it is imperative that all work to support one another in this country to tide over these times. This crisis will end and it will bring more prosperity to all those who think and act accordingly,” commented Menezes.
Utico is said to be working to ensure all stakeholders are served and that it continues in its CAPEX allocations for this year and the coming years sustainably.
The business model of offering average 30% lower tariffs, less than 2% Non-Revenue Water (NRW) focus with in-house full spectrum capabilities from EPC & O&M to optimum customer services, high availabilities, efficiencies during the good times and bad times has resulted in the company being sustainable today too, he concluded.
