URCA issues this consultation document on the draft Consumer Protection Regulations for the Electricity Sector in The Bahamas (‘the Draft Regulations’). URCA proposes to apply the Draft Regulations to licensees who have been issued a Public Electricity Suppliers Licence (PESL) or an Authorised Public Electricity Suppliers Licence (APESL). The objectives of the Draft Regulations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• to provide guidelines relating to specific practices of the mentioned licensees, including contract terms, billings and complaints handling;
• outline the obligations and responsibilities that are conferred on consumers when utilising electricity supply services provided by licensees;
• propose a series of reporting requirements on the licensees so that URCA can survey the effectiveness of the ES Consumer Protection Regulations when implemented, and take appropriate action to address any deficiencies consequential to their application in the ES.