The Tribune

Dear Editor, I AM moved to respond to the "dabbling" comment in the article on Renewable Energy in last Thursday's Business Section of The Tribune. Governments are increasingly being asked to do more and be more. Yet individual choices are at the centre of the debate about the role of Governments. Mr Rolle expects more, and one writer recently commented that "...dabbling is an understatement.." The energy issue for the Bahamas is huge. It is not simply about reducing foreign exchange, as significant and consequential as that is - it is about enhancing and expanding our way of life through the use of our own resources. There is no quick fix. However, the rewards from a well-developed system of renewable energy integration, conservation and enhancing traditional energy supply sources are enormous and permanent. Given the events around the world that affect global oil supply and prices, particularly the growing tension in Iran, the state of play in Iraq and, nearer to home, concerns about the new technology called "fracking", it is clear that few countries have a magic bullet to solve energy price and supply problems. However, businesses and individuals can do much to lower the cost of energy to their individual homes or businesses. This response is not intended to chronicle the work of the Government. The Bahamas government has undertaken a significant overhaul of the energy sector. However, it appears that individuals like Mr Rolle expect more from the Government. To me this is puzzling. Let me summarise: Since coming to office we have revised the tariffs (our country's main source of revenue) downward on virtually every item that has a material impact on energy cost. Building materials for homes and businesses, solar panels, solar inverters, energy efficient appliances, solar water heaters, automobiles have all had duties reduced or eliminated to provide incentives to individuals and companies to invest in energy conservation. Energy efficient light bulbs were distributed free to qualifying households. Solar water heaters were auctioned off to promote awareness of the significant cost of heating water, and the savings derived from use of solar heating. During Energy Week, a face-to-face with contractors, engineers and architects was facilitated to reinforce the significant role these professionals play in energy conservation where it matters most. The legislative and regulatory environment was significantly enhanced to accommodate the wise use of energy. More must be done. More will be done. As well, the BEC tariff, and the way it is calculated and applied on the first 420 kw, give incentives to any individual or business seeking to make a deliberate and conscientious conservation choice. In addition, there is the published National Energy Policy. A comprehensive review of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, its generation options, capabilities, weaknesses and strengths has been undertaken and is being implemented. The salient provisions are making provisions to integrate and use natural gas in the gas turbines (the original design purpose); more rigorous maintenance (greater generation efficiency); the integration of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC; the accommodation of waste-to-energy and smart meters for households and businesses. All are designed to aid consumer and business choices. The information has been made freely available. Taken together, these actions represent an impressive array of accomplishments. However, they are not neatly summarised. They are not buzz words. They are not pronouncements heralded like the final solution. They are practical, proven aspects of a comprehensive response to energy needs and supply. Barbados' Prime Minister, for example, recently announced a Smart Energy Fund to expand renewable energy use. The Bahamas has had the equivalent for some time, through various private sector schemes and international grants. The problem for the Bahamas has been the limited and fragmented uptake. The Barbados Prime Minster also pronounced that, in 25 years, Barbados would produce 29 per cent of its energy from renewable sources. Barbados is an oil producing nation and is often credited with remarkable solar energy application. The target for the Bahamas is far more rigorous than Barbados. We aim for 30 per cent from renewable sources in 20 years. The Bahamas is not an oil-producing nation. Is it that readers want our Prime Minster to make a speech summarising what our incentives and options are? The hard truth is that when it comes to energy consumption, the Bahamas and Bahamians leave a large footprint. That aside, apart from overhauling the Electricity Act and accommodating innovations, such as a Smart Grid, the task is left to energy-conscious home and business owners to take advantage of the significant tax exemptions, and the significant provisions in the current Electricity Act, to conserve and inform their investment in energy conservation. The Government can arguably have a greater impact on energy conservation as a result of the audits that were done in government buildings, but the harsh fact remains that the Bahamian government and Bahamian civil servants are made up of Bahamians who have the same habits as Bahamians in the private sector. We must all change our culture to a more deliberate energy conservation mode. Railing about dabbling, like it is a deliberate act, is not productive. I accept the recommendation of a recent commentator to cause a forum to be held to renew the dialogue, and force conscious and deliberate decisions by consumers. Earl Deveaux Minister of the Environment