Electricity bills will be adjusted to take into consideration the time homes have been without power, according to Belco.

The power company said some customers might receive ‘estimated bills’ in the coming weeks that could be higher than the real usage as a result of widespread power outages across the island in the wake of Hurricane Gonzalo.

But a Belco spokeswoman insisted that next month’s bill would be adjusted to reflect actual consumption.

She said: ”Over the next several weeks, customers who lost power in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gonzalo may receive estimated BELCO bills, if the meter reading scheduled date was when they were without power.

“The estimated bill is based on an average of the last three months actual usage, and may be higher or lower than the period being estimated.

“Where the estimate is higher or lower than the actual usage, next month’s bill would be adjusted either up or down to reflect the actual consumption.

“The meter only operates when power is flowing to the home or business. When there is no power, there is no electricity being used, and no consumption is recorded.

“BELCO apologises to all who may receive estimated bills.

“Please be assured that your bills will be adjusted next month to reflect actual consumption, and over the next two months you will have paid for no more than you actually used.”