EAC slammed for charging interest on instalment payments

Electricity company (EAC) unions oppose a decision by the board to charge interest on customers who opted to pay overdue bills in instalments.

A statement from the unions said a public utility organisation like the EAC cannot charge interest and make things harder for consumers who were trying to hang on tooth and nail.

The EAC said last week that it would help people pay through instalments, with an annual interest of 4.5 per cent, in a bid to collect some €60 million in overdue bills.

“The entire union movement is against the authority’s decision and is urging the EAC to think again,” the unions said.

The country is in deep recession and the EAC must continue to show compassion to consumers and come to an arrangement with them without any extra charge.

Main opposition AKEL slammed the EAC’s decision, describing it as wrong and provocative.

“As a public utility, the EAC must take into consideration the problems faced by the country today and show support as it had done in the past,” the party said.

 

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