The Tribune

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is set to hold three meetings on Grand Bahama as part of its ongoing public consultation process.

The regulator, which oversees the electronic communications and energy sectors, will hold Town Hall meetings on May 7 in Eight Mile Rock; on May 8 in Freeport at the Father Pestaina Centre; and on May 9 in East End at the St Nicholas Parish. All three meetings will start at 6pm.

URCA executives, who have already staged similar events in New Providence and Abaco, are expected to detail customer service initiatives; solar engagement and regulations; disaster preparedness efforts and the regulator’s objectives for 2019-2020.

“What we want to hear from you,” Stephen Bereaux, URCA’s chief executive said, “is what you think are the biggest areas of concern, and how we should be exercising our regulatory jurisdiction. Our goal really is to find out what are the priorities you feel we should be working on.”

Alternative energy, consumer protection, service quality and the handling of complaints were among some of the key topics discussed in previous forums. Mr Bereaux, together with URCA’s director of electronic communications, Carlton Smith, and director of utilities, Shevonn Cambridge, will be on Grand Bahama to answer questions and address customer concerns.

URCA will also host two days of “Pop Up” store fronts at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. This will allow for one-on-one meetings on licensing, media or internet start-ups, and help address renewable energy questions or concerns. URCA, though, currently has no regulatory jurisdiction over GB Power or communications utilities in Freeport.

“We are looking forward to being in Freeport,” said Mr Smith. “I am excited to be working at home for a few days and to address any concerns Grand Bahamians have about the services we regulate. I encourage everyone to come out and have their input, and tell us what they feel is not working or working well.”