Electricity
The Bahamas National Energy Policy
The Government of the Bahamas, in its National Energy Policy 2013-20331, sets forth the following strategic goals, among other things, for the Electricity Sector:
- to foster dynamic and appropriate governance, institutional, legal and regulatory framework advancing future developments in the energy sector underpinned by high levels of consultation, citizen participation, and public-private sector partnership.
- to build a modern energy infrastructure that enhances generation capacity and safely, reliably and affordably distributes electricity to consumers on a sustainable basis;
- to promote the availability of sustainable energy opportunities. The Government’s aim for renewable energy is that it should make an increasing contribution to the Bahamas’ energy supplies moving forward;
URCA’s activities in the Electricity Sector will be guided by the overarching objectives as set out in the National Energy Policy. As the designated regulatory authority for the sector, URCA work involves the following key projects:
- development of the framework for the ES Licensing Regime;
- monitor the implementation of the Renewal Energy Supply Obligation;
- amalgamate the Public Consultation Guidelines for the ECS and ES; and
- oversee the development and implementation of the Consumer Protection Policy
Licensing
The Electricity Act, 2015 made it unlawful for a person to engage in the generation, transmission, distribution, retail, import, export or wholesale trading of electricity in The Bahamas, without a licence granted by URCA.
Renewable Energy
The National Energy Policy and Electricity Sector Policy make it a priority to create sustainable energy opportunities and enhance the energy security of The Bahamas. In URCA’s view, furthering that objective will play a critical role in the Government’s climate change strategy because sourcing a percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources will assist The Bahamas with meeting both national and international carbon emissions and greenhouse gases reduction targets.
Part V of the Electricity Act requires Public Electricity Suppliers (PES) to develop and submit to URCA a plan for the introduction of sustainable energy technologies into the electricity supply system.
Consultation
One of the strategic goals envisioned in the Bahamas National Energy Plan, and reflected in the provisions of Part VIII of the Electricity Act 2015, is to promote high levels of consultation, citizen participation, and public-private sector partnership. That practice currently maintains in the ECS in respect of Consultation and Publication of Documents by URCA and URCA has noted the correlation between the Consultation provisions within the Electricity Act and the related provisions of the Communications Act. URC will continue to consult with stakeholders concerning energy matters of importance. In this regard, URCA continues to review its Procedures for Consultation.
Consumer Protection
The Consumer Protection Plan for the Electricity sector, as prescribed by section 40 of the Electricity Act 2015, was developed by licensee in conjunction with URCA in 2017. As with other regulatory documents, the CPP, the plan was put to the general public and stakeholders for consultation. URCA is of the view that the protection of consumers is of prime importance. URCA will also consider how it can revise and amend the existing Quality of Service Framework to address pertinent consumers issues in the Electricity Sector. URCA believes that this action will further another of the principle objectives of the Electricity Sector Policy, which is to create a regime for the supply of safe, least-cost, reliable and environmentally sustainable electricity through the Bahamas.
