Minister of Transport and Energy and Member of Parliament for Elizabeth, the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis seconded the Natural Gas and Electricity Bills in the House Of Assembly on Wednesday.

The Natural Gas Bill seeks to regulate the use of liquified natural gas for power generation. The Electricity Bill 2024 repeals the existing Electricity and Electricity Rate Reduction Bond Acts among other things.

During her contribution Coleby-Davis told Parliamentarians that Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) existing tax rates will be maintained for the next three years. “During this period BPL will conduct a comprehensive tariff review to ensure that rates are fair and equitable for all customers. Should BPL wish to adjust any rates before the three year period concludes they must submit as rate case to URCA,” she said.

Coleby-Davis added, “this tariff review is long overdue as BPL has not changed their tariff since 2010. If you look around The Bahamas you can see the tremendous growth we have had in this country from 2010 to now. With this growth comes an increase in demand and at all times BPL must find means and ways to provide access to electricity with forecasted demand growth at a steady 3-5% annually.”

The Minister said an amendment to the Electricity Bill would be moved before the bill was passed to provide clarity to section 38 which deals with the regulatory role of the Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA).

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