The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has launched an investigation into allegations that several major commercial enterprises, including supermarkets, have been paying significantly lower electricity bills compared to ordinary households. This revelation was confirmed by a government spokesperson on Friday, sparking concerns over potential irregularities in the billing system. Maurice Merchant, the Director-General of Communications, disclosed that the Cabinet was informed of the discrepancies, describing the situation as a clear indication of underlying issues. “Some large businesses are paying electricity bills that some households are paying,” Merchant stated during a post-Cabinet media briefing. In response, APUA has initiated the installation of tamper-proof metering systems designed to prevent manipulation of utility equipment and ensure accurate billing. The move comes after earlier findings by the Ministry of Utilities revealed that certain companies had been under-reporting their electricity usage, leading to significant revenue losses for the authority. Merchant emphasized that the upgrade of meters is part of a broader strategy to curb irregularities and recover lost income. While specific names and figures were not disclosed, officials acknowledged that the situation has prompted the Cabinet to call for stricter oversight of commercial energy consumption. The new metering systems are expected to play a pivotal role in modernizing APUA’s billing and monitoring infrastructure, aligning with the government’s efforts to enhance transparency and reduce revenue leakages across state agencies.