The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has confirmed the existence of a list which protects certain named customers from disconnection despite having outstanding arrears.The issue was first raised by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in a statement to Parliament on Monday, when she disclosed that some of the persons on the protected list included former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, along with several other PNM members.Rowley, Beckles and others have denied any knowledge of the list.In a release yesterday, T&TEC explained that the protected list was initially created to prevent the disconnection of critical public institutions whose operations were considered essential to the functioning of the State.The Commission said the list was originally intended to cover Government ministries and departments, State enterprises, public authorities and foreign embassies.However, T&TEC disclosed that between 2015 and 2025 the list expanded significantly.“During the period 2015 to 2025 this list was expanded to include certain Government ministers, Members of Parliament and companies from the private sector,” it stated.The Commission confirmed that persons and entities on the list were protected from disconnection for outstanding arrears under procedures that would ordinarily apply to other customers.T&TEC also noted it has been unable to find any documented basis explaining how private individuals and companies came to be included on the list.It said there was no published policy, procedure or criteria governing the protected list.The Commission further disclosed there was no documentation identifying who authorised the addition of individuals and private-sector companies to the list.“There is no documentation or record as to how the individuals and private companies who now appear on the list were added to it,” the release said.T&TEC also stated there was no board minute relating to the creation or expansion of the list.T&TEC seeks legal advice The Commission said it has taken note of the strong public reaction to the matter and has sought legal advice on how to proceed.T&TEC pointed to Section 5(1) of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Act, Chapter 54:70, which allows the President to issue directions of a general character on policy matters affecting the public interest.The section states that the President may give directions to the Commission regarding the exercise of its powers and duties in matters that affect the public interest of Trinidad and Tobago.T&TEC indicated it will be guided by legal advice on the issue, and noted that any action by the President would be based on the advice of Cabinet.T&TEC said it “wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the right to equality of treatment guaranteed by the Constitution to all citizens”.The Commission said it values every customer and intends to treat all customers with equal dignity and respect.Opposition MP and former public utilities minister Marvin Gonzales yesterday criticised the statement.In a Facebook post, he said: “In a desperate attempt at public distraction to save your Minister of Public Utilities who is facing intense public scrutiny over his conduct in public office, you trusted the SAME MINISTER who gave you a file and a statement to read in Parliament that were overwhelmed with 20,000kv of lies and confusion? And now TTEC is trying to save both of you from a messy affair that was created by your own hands? Prime Minister, the country deserves a break from you and Padarath!!” —AR