The public hearings on a review of electricity rates in Barbados will get going next Wednesday, September 21.The date was confirmed by the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) in a letter dated September 9 and addressed to Managing Director of the Barbados Light and Power Company (BL&P) Roger Blackman.The FTC informed the company that the hearings will span 12 consecutive business days, ending October 6, and are slated to take place at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa in Rockley, Christ Church. Last October, the BL&P filed an application for a basic rate hike which, if granted, would result in customers paying between five and 20 per cent more on their electricity bills. The island’s sole electricity provider says it urgently needs the money to execute projects that are crucial to providing reliable service to its customers.Vice President of the Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) and chairman of its Regulatory Committee Stephen Worme told Barbados TODAY his organisation was “as ready as we can be” to represent the people of Barbados at the hearings.