The government revealed its plans for energy sector reform at a press event held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday. The long awaited announcement about the future of Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and energy generation were laid out by Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis and the Minister of Transport and Energy, the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis.

Prime Minister Davis said, “for the first time utility scale solar power in New Providence, 70 megawatts of solar power and 30 megawatts of battery energy storage systems will be integrated into the grid. Solar power throughout our family islands where new hybrid micro grids will incorporate solar power and natural gas allowing us to eliminate expensive BPL rentals, replace aging generation units and establish battery storage systems.”

According to Minister Coleby-Davis companies have been chosen to construct grids on five family islands. She said, “I’m very proud with our solar solutions for New Providence and the family islands that all successful bidders had at least 50% Bahamian ownership and many were in fact 100% Bahamian owned.”

During her remarks the Minister also assured BPL employees “that there will be no lay offs because of the partnership, there’s no intention to offer a voluntary separation program and current industrial agreements will not be impacted.”

The government’s energy reform plans include adding solar power in New Providence, grid and technology upgrades, the use of liquified natural gas on New Providence and an equity rate adjustment to take effect in July.

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

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