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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 In the face of well documented equipment failures, mounting financial issues and rolling blackouts, it would appear that the newly constituted Bahamas Power and Light is sadly, out of its depth. The company’s failure to keep the lights on are tell-tale signs of the years of mismanagement of the corporation and by extension the country’s energy sector as well.
Since assuming management control of the corporation formerly known as BEC, Power Secure International, the government’s previously touted savior of the country’s energy sector, has been unable to provide the necessary relief and reliability of services which Bahamians demand. In fact, this summer, like the ones before it, continues to be marred by lengthy outages, load shedding and overall public outrage. Even in the face of such challenges however, Bahamians have yet to see or hear the company’s long term plans to move the electricity provider forward in a meaningful way.
Over the past 48 hours, executives of Bahamas Power and Light have announced millions of dollars in repairs to failing and outdated equipment at both the Baillou Hill and Clifton power plants. The company is also preparing to spend millions on additional temporary generation equipment to assist them in meeting generation capacity. In essence, it remains business as usual for the electricity provider. Sadly, the statements made by the company’s CEO offer no innovative solutions, instead her comments suggest that the company will continue to do what has always been done.
Notably absent from any of the CEO’s comments were plans for the introduction of renewable energy resources. The reality is however, that until we move away from the conventional ways energy production here in the Bahamas, the consumer will continue to bear the brunt of the burden. The Democratic National Alliance has long advocated for the use of alternative energy in a modern, progressive and 21st century Bahamas. In fact, the region and the world are filled with examples of how such plans can be executed.
As part of its immediate plan of action to reduce the cost of energy in the Bahamas, the DNA has proposed The Bahamas Clean Power Project – a one billion dollar plan through which we would be able to:-
1. Convert power generation at Clifton Pier to General Electric LM600 Aeroderivative Gas turbines within 3 months
2. Build out and initiate international bi directional HVDC submarine connector cable with the United States to purchase power directly from Florida.
3. Commit to a target of 40% renewable power by 2027
4. Design and Construct Utility Grade Solar Power Facility in Andros
5. Legalization of grid tie solar system for every Bahamian home and business
6. Power Purchase agreement for Waste to Energy Facility
The Democratic National Alliance will introduce the use of aeroderivative gas engines, such as the General Electric LM6000, via a power purchase agreement, as a reliable, efficient and economical solution for power generation. This mode of power generation will dramatically reduce the kilowatt cost per hour and lower electricity bills for all Bahamian consumers. The scalability of this system of generation allow for near immediate implementation of 4 months.
The use of submarine HVDC while revolutionary to the Bahamas is already being executed in other jurisdictions. Earlier this month, A Michigan-based transmission company moved forward with plans to link a grid system in Pennsylvania to the Canadian energy market with a 73-mile line along the floor of Lake Erie giving both markets added reliability and diversified portfolios, while at the same time lowering prices for ratepayers. Do Bahamian electricity consumers not deserve the same level of reliability in their service as well? The use of the HVDC cable connector between the Bahamas and Florida would dramatically reduce the cost of energy, eliminate the millions spent by BEC on fuel and takes full strategic advantage of the country’s proximity to the United States.
Power Secure and BPL have a unique opportunity to truly affect real change in the country’s energy sector but doing so will mean a break from business as usual. We cannot continue to throw millions at outmoded generation equipment and expect things to change. Moving forward will require innovation; it will require focus and it will require POLITICAL WILL! Through its release of our plans for a clean energy power project and an ultra-modern waste to energy plant, the DNA has already proven that we are committed not only to the idea of alternative energy but to its full scale and widespread implementation
Around the globe, energy efficient countries such as Germany, Japan and Italy have crafted energy plans which use a combination of solar, wind, waste and even wave energy to create forward thinking energy policies which have benefited their people. The introduction of such ideas backed by strong and well thought out legislation can not only improve reliability and lower costs but have an immediate positive impact on the quality of life for our people.
Christopher Mortimer
DNA Deputy Leader
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