The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has issued Consultation Document ES 05/2025 to gather public and stakeholder feedback on proposed Energy Efficiency Programme Regulations, which are mandated by the Electricity Act, 2024. These regulations are intended to create a structured, enforceable framework through which all electricity sector licensees will develop and implement energy efficiency and demand-side management (DSM) programs across The Bahamas.
The consultation explains URCA’s statutory duty under Section 15 of the Electricity Act, 2024 to promote, approve, and oversee energy efficiency programs. It also clarifies that licensees themselves are required to design and maintain programs that reduce energy consumption while maintaining service quality. The initiative directly supports the National Energy Policy 2025–2030, especially its objective of ensuring the supply and use of electricity that is safe, least cost, reliable, and environmentally sustainable.
The consultation document sets out the proposed regulatory framework, including definitions, program requirements, reporting obligations, and URCA’s evaluation criteria. It outlines what constitutes an energy efficiency program, the types of initiatives that may be included, and how these programs should be structured to meet policy goals.
Licensees will be required to prepare and submit time-bound programs using a standardized template. URCA will review each submission, approve or require revisions, and ultimately monitor compliance through periodic reporting.
As part of the consultation process, URCA invites written submissions from the public, licensees, and any interested parties by 27 February 2026, and will later publish all non-confidential responses. After reviewing the feedback, URCA will issue a Statement of Results and Final Decision within 30 days of the consultation closing.
The document, which includes details on submission of responses, can be found here: ES 05/2025 Energy Efficiency Programmes Regulations Consultation.