The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is the independent regulator and competition body for the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) in The Bahamas, which includes fixed and mobile telecommunications services, broadcasting, and the management of spectrum and numbering resources. URCA is charged with promoting the main objectives of the Electronic
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has today released a public consultation on the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Transfer Operations Regulations, marking another key milestone in the development of the country’s natural gas sector. The proposed regulations are intended to replace URCA’s existing Ship-to-Ship Handling Operations Regulations, expanding
URCA’s Draft Annual Plan for 2025 is a comprehensive document that outlines the strategic initiatives, regulatory priorities, and budgetary framework for The Bahamas’ electronic communications, electricity, and natural gas sectors. The Draft Annual Plan focuses on strengthening leadership, enhancing connectivity, promoting international collaboration, and addressing sector-specific priorities. The Draft Annual
URCA Releases Consultation on the Satellite Regulatory Framework Nassau, The Bahamas – (9 December 2024) – URCA has noted significant advancements in satellite communications technologies, particularly with the development of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite operators offering initially Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) and more recently connectivity services for Earth Stations in
URCA Releases Consultation on the Proposed Revisions to the Retail Pricing Rules Nassau, The Bahamas – (4 December 2024) – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (‘URCA’) issues the consultation document outlining the proposed revisions to the Retail Pricing Rules. URCA recently completed a market review of key retail fixed
URCA today publishes the Consultation Document (NGS 20/2024) – Regulatory Fees Methodology for The Natural Gas Sector in The Bahamas. The Consultation Document outlines the relevant portions of the Natural Gas Act, 2024 (NGA) which grant URCA the power to issue regulatory and other measures to regulate the Natural Gas
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) presents this Addendum document (the “Addendum”) in response to the requirements of section 78 of the Electricity Act 2024 (EA 2024) and section 121(2) of the Natural Gas Act 2024 (NGA 2024). Both Acts require URCA to “prepare an amendment or addendum to
URCA Releases Public Consultation on Roadmap to Enable 5G Deployment in The Bahamas 22 August 2024 URCA recognizes that reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity and technological advancements like the Fifth Generation of International Mobile Communications technology (IMT-5G, hereinafter referred to as “5G”) are catalysts for innovation and future development in The
Public Consultation on ECS Licence Modification 20 August 2024 URCA committed in its 2024 Annual Plan to review the ECS licences due to expire in 2024 to assess the current relevance of the conditions specified in the licences. URCA began an informal licence and exemption revision process in the third
URCA issues this consultation document to present crucial revisions to the Code of Practice for Content Regulation in The Bahamas (the Code) These revisions are focused on applicability, political broadcasts, advertising and sponsorships, access services, complaint handling processes, and emerging technologies (ET). ET are new transformative, innovative tools characterised by radical
URCA issues public consultation on Electricity System Operator Licence 2 August 2024 Recognizing that the main goal of the electricity sector policy is the creation of a regime for the supply of safe, least-cost, reliable, and environmentally sustainable electricity throughout The Bahamas. URCA considers a clear and transparent licensing system,
URCA issues public consultation on Electricity Transmission and Distribution Licence 2 Aug 2024 Recognizing that the main goal of the electricity sector policy is the creation of a regime for the supply of safe, least-cost, reliable, and environmentally sustainable electricity throughout The Bahamas. URCA considers a clear and transparent licensing
URCA issues draft regulatory framework documents for the Natural Gas Sector in The Bahamas 1 August 2024 The Natural Gas Act, 2024 (NGA) came into the force on 1 June 2024. The NGA introduces a statutory framework for the introduction of natural gas into the energy mix of The Bahamas.
These Competition Guidelines are designed to assist Licensees, and other interested Persons, in understanding how the competition provisions of the Comms Act and the Electricity Act will apply in practice with regards to procedural and substantives aspects and to determine if their conduct complies with these rules. These Guidelines set
With this Preliminary Determination, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (‘URCA’) informs Licensees, other stakeholders, and the public in general of its preliminary economic assessment of the competitive dynamics in the retail fixed service market in The Bahamas. In this consultation paper, URCA sets out its preliminary views and proposals
The Competition Guidelines set out URCA’s Competition Policy and are intended to assist Licensees, and other interested persons, in understanding how the competition provisions would apply in practice with regards to procedural and substantives aspects, and to determine if their conduct are complying with these rules. They also provide guidance
The Competition Guidelines set out URCA’s Competition Policy and are intended to assist Licensees, and other interested persons, in understanding how the competition provisions would apply in practice with regards to procedural and substantives aspects, and to determine if their conduct are complying with these rules. They also provide guidance
In exercise of the powers and duties conferred upon it by Section 38(3)(c) of the Electricity Act, 2015, (“the EA”) the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) hereby issues the following guidelines. These guidelines may be cited as the “Guidelines for The Inspection of Licensees in the Electricity Sector” (the
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) hereby issues this Statement of Results and Final Decision further to its public consultation on Guidelines for the Inspection of Licencees in the Electricity Sector – ES 08/2023 (“the Consultation Document”), published on 16 November 2023. The primary purpose of regulatory inspections is
Generation licence https://urcabahamas.bs/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UED_-ES-12-2023-Generation-Licence.pdf
