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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Less than a week ago, Bahamas Power and Light was awarded the country’s first ever Public Electricity Supplier License and was formally given permission by its regulator, URCA, to engage in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity services across the country.
The details of that license agreement call for BPL to, among other things, meet certain performance obligations or face fines. Since taking control of the electricity provider, Power Secure International – touted as the country’s answer to energy security – has yet to live up to the many promises made by the Christie administration upon their introduction to the public. At the signing of the company’s transitional agreement earlier this year, Bahamians were promised, lower electricity bills, greater reliability and the introduction of alternative forms of energy. What we have gotten has been the same lackluster service, aging equipment and no clear plan on the way forward.
Without question the attempt by URCA to enforce certain performance criteria at BPL is a step in the right direction; however, we in the Democratic National Alliance believe it will take more than that to ensure that Bahamians are no longer burdened by the high cost of electricity and the failures of a third world grid. Affecting real change in the country’s energy sector will take innovation, political will and an unwavering commitment and dedication to the people of this country and most importantly, a DECISIVE PLAN OF ACTION – which so far has not been seen from BEC’s new managers.
Earlier this year, the DNA unveiled The Clean Power Project as part of a signature suite of infrastructural changes to the power industry to finally address long standing issues with reliability and cost of service for residents here in the capital and elsewhere across our archipelago. As part of its immediate plan of action to reduce the cost of energy in the Bahamas, the DNA has proposed:
- To convert power generation at Clifton Pier to General Electric LM6000 Aeroderivative Gas turbines within 3 months
- Commit to a target of 40% renewable power generation by 2027
- Target Kwh cost at no more than 13 cents
- Design and Construct Utility Grade Solar Power Facility
- Legalization of grid tie system solar for every Bahamian home and business
- Power Purchase agreement from Waste to Energy Facility located at leased site at the New providence Dump
- Build out and initiate international bi directional HVDC submarine connector cable with the United States to purchase power directly from Florida
We challenge the government and Power Secure/BPL to finally unveil and implement a sound energy plan that benefits Bahamians or step aside to allow the DNA to do so.
Christopher Mortimer
DNA Deputy Leader
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