The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister yesterday pledged that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) intends to make a “fast-paced” transition to cleaner and renewable energy in upcoming years.

Jobeth Coleby-Davis, minister of energy and transport, said legislation to facilitate the switch to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and sustainable forms of energy will be tabled in Parliament next year while the National Energy Policy will also be updated to meet global standards.

She said: “I think BPL has been in the process of reviewing and considering how they’re going to go through that transition. That takes a lot of design and planning. The engineers have to be comfortable. You have to make sure that the land is available for the new plant that they would have to build, and make sure that the timeline matches with us implementing the correct legislation.

“And so you’re going to see like almost a fast-paced process to move to that transition. In the next year, we’re going to have to bring forward the legislation that manages and governs that new industry that we’re bringing on. Also, I’m seeking to update the energy policy to make sure it’s aligned with the global standards that the world is moving towards.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis added that LNG is a top priority for the ministry and BPL’s executive management in ensuring more reliable, affordable and cleaner power generation. She said: “Definitely we’re on the path to move towards cleaner energy, but affordable and more reliable power to be provided by BPL,and LNG is top priority.

“That is top priority for me right now and BPL’s executive management, and we are constantly discussing the ways to move into that. In terms of the preparation, the planning, the legislation and then considering the proposals that would be coming forward to them….it’ll be like a fast moving pace.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis said there were ‘one or two’ proposals from LNG suppliers that have been submitted to BPL. However, the state-owned utility is currently putting its business model “in place” to ensure that the proposal submitted will benefit itself and consumers.

She added: “I think that there were one or two at the table previously. I’m not certain where they are in terms of having re-engaged those discussions, but I can tell you for sure they are putting their business model in place to make sure that whatever is presented to them is going to be the top benefit to, first of all, the Bahamian public and to BPL because we have to protect that asset, and so that’s top priority.”