Adjustment in STOW Application Fee for Non-Members

The ECTT wishes to inform you about an upcoming adjustment to the STOW application fee for Non-members who offer High-Risk services. The STOW Board and the Energy Chamber have always been committed to providing value to its members, and as part of this commitment, we have offered the STOW application fee at a preferred rate for our members.

Reducing the Costs for Consultant Support

The STOW Board and the Energy Chamber have conducted extensive investigations and consultations around the costs of achieving and retaining STOW certification to identify where the largest cost is incurred.  The information derived from this exercise clearly indicates that by far the biggest cost associated with STOW certification relates to fees paid to consultants, rather than the actual cost of assessments.  Our investigations have shown that many companies, especially smaller companies, are continuing to pay very high fees to consultants to develop and maintain their systems. 

The STOW Board and the Energy Chamber believe that in many cases these high consulting fees can be avoided and that companies should ensure proper knowledge transfer processes are in place if and when they engage a consultant.  If a company has successfully implemented its own HSE management system, it should not need to retain the services of a consultant in perpetuity.   

We recommend that companies seriously question any consultant who encourages the company to retain their services over multiple assessments.

Free resources to assist in STOW Certification

Please be reminded that there are many free resources available through the STOW programme to help companies become certified and retain their certification after their first assessment.  We have discovered occasions where consultants have charged companies for documents that could have been downloaded for free from the STOW website.

We strongly encourage anyone wanting to be STOW certified to engage with the STOW project office (keina@energy.tt; ayanna@energy.tt; natalie@energy.tt) and access the available resources, rather than paying a consultant.  In most cases we do not think that long-term consulting support is required for maintaining STOW certification and we discourage STOW certified companies from contracting external consulting support rather than building internal management capacity.

Increase in Application Fees for Non-Members ONLY

After careful consideration and evaluation of the information gathered through our extensive investigations, the STOW Board and the Energy Chamber have decided to adjust the non-member rate for the STOW application fee which has been in place since the inception of the programme in 2010. In the past, non-members have been benefiting from a subsidized rate which the Chamber can no longer justify absorbing. As such, the new non-member fee will increase from TT$3,750 (VAT excl.) to TT$5,000 (VAT excl.), effective 1st April 2024.

Non-members will now pay the full cost of the STOW application fee, and the fees collected will cover various essential elements, including:

Staff Costs: To administer the STOW programme, we have a dedicated team whose efforts ensure the smooth operation and continual improvement of the certification process.

Quality Control: Paid Technical Reviewers provide rigorous quality assurance to guarantee the integrity and reliability of STOW certification, contributing to a safer working environment for all stakeholders.

Overheads: The fees also contribute to overhead expenses, such as the maintenance of our IT system and database, which are vital for the effective functioning of the STOW programme.

Volunteer Resources from Operator Companies

It's important to note that the STOW Board members, who play a crucial role in overseeing the programme, are unpaid volunteers from operator companies. This underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards while minimizing costs where possible.

Role of Assessors

Additionally, Assessor Fees cover the day rates of Assessors, ensuring that we can engage experienced professionals to conduct thorough assessments.  It should be noted that Assessor fees have also remained the same since inception of the programme. This too underscores our commitment to our members to minimize our costs as much as possible.

Member Rates Remain Unchanged

It's important for us to emphasize that this fee adjustment will only affect non-members. Our valued members will continue to enjoy the preferred rate of TT $3,000 (VAT excl.) for the STOW application fee.

We understand that any change in fees can raise questions, and we want to assure you that this decision was made after careful consideration and with the goal of maintaining the high quality and integrity of our certification programme.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this fee adjustment, please feel free to reach out to us at:

868-354-4189 or Keina@energy.tt

361-1299 or Ayanna@energy.tt

354-4185 or Natalie@energy.tt

We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership.

Becoming a Member of the Energy Chamber

There are many benefits of becoming a member of the Energy Chamber:

1.      Discounted Certification Fees:

As an Energy Chamber member, you will continue to enjoy a significantly reduced certification application fee of $3,000 plus VAT, representing substantial savings compared to non-members.   You will also be eligible for discounted fees at our training programmes and events, such as the T&T Energy Conference.

2.     Exclusive Access:

Energy Chamber membership grants you exclusive access to events, workshops, and industry-leading knowledge resources, enhancing your skills and industry knowledge. We host three members-only Forums every year: Upstream Operator Forum; Downstream Operators Forum and the Local Content Forum.

3.      Networking Opportunities:

Connect with fellow members, industry experts, and potential clients through our extensive network, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

4.     Industry Insights:

Stay updated with the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of safety and compliance.

5.      Advocacy:

The Chamber stands firmly with members lobbying and advocating for their best interest and the interest of the sector.

We encourage you to consider the tangible benefits of becoming a member of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and taking advantage of the preferential certification application fee. By joining our community of energy sector companies, you not only demonstrate your commitment to excellence but also position yourself for long-term success in a competitive industry.

To become an Energy Chamber member and access the lower certification application fee and a host of other benefits, please visit our Membership Page for more information and to complete your membership application.

Membership rates vary depending on your overall revenue.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding this communication our dedicated team is here to assist you:

Fee adjustment: Natalie Reece (Natalie@energy.tt); Keina Calliste (Keina@energy.tt); Ayanna Bartholomew (Ayanna@energy.tt)

Energy Chamber membership: Jodine Abhiram (member-relations@energy.tt; 1-636-3749 Ext. 121)