About URCA
URCA Background
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is the independent regulatory authority with responsibility for the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) and the Electricity Sector (ES) in The Bahamas. The ECS comprises fixed and mobile telephone services, spectrum and numbering, broadcasting including pay television and Internet services. As regulator of the ES, URCA remit covers all persons who generate, transmit, distribute or supply electricity to from or within The Bahamas.
The legislative framework for the ECS is set out in the Communications Act, 2009, and its subsequent amendments, which empowers URCA as the independent regulator of the sector with the regulatory tools and powers required for effectiveness. The Electricity Act 2024 empowers URCA to carry out its regulatory functions as regards the ES. URCA’s regulatory work is also guided by the respective sector policies of the Bahamas Government. The Electronic Communications Sector Policy is reviewed and revised every three years in accordance with the Comms Act.
Who We Serve
URCA serves a variety of stakeholders. As regulator URCA’s work impacts not only the companies and individuals under its regulatory authority but also the consumers that have services with those companies and those otherwise invested in any of the service areas URCA regulates.