The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) pledge to construct a hybrid or renewable power plant on North Andros could bring more investors to the island, its Chamber of Commerce president said yesterday.

Darin Bethel voiced concerns over how the project will be financed as he confirmed that electricity costs in North Andros are “strenuous” on businesses. He added that if these were reduced more investors may find Andros an appealing location to relocate to.

He said: “I would like to I think it’d be good for North Andros if the initiative can turn into lower electricity bills, which will make Andros more attractive to investors. The electricity bill is a very strenuous cost to any business in Andros right now. If our electricity bills are lowered, perhaps 50-70 percent, we can promote that and make Andros appeal more to local Bahamian investors.”

BPLs chief executive, Shevonn Cambridge, last week said the utility is eyeing “more of a greener solution” to replace North Andros’ power plant in a project that will take 18 to 24 months.

In response, Mr Bethel said that while the initiative can yield great benefits it can also become a “burden” to the Bahamian people if the Government finances the project with debt.

He said: “The benefits from a project like this can be great, but if the Government has to borrow this money, because they previously said they did not have the funds, I have concern that it will add to the already high level of national debt and they will simply tax the funds out of us in some way.”

“I would hope that electricity rates decrease, but they may want to charge us the same basic rate, because of the other overhead expenses and to repay the cost of the plant. It should lead to lower electricity rates, otherwise it really doesn’t benefit us because we would have endured this long period of time with inconsistent electricity and high bills without any type of compensation.”

North Andros has been plagued with electricity woes since a fire destroyed BPL’s power plant in July. Mr Bethel said business owners and residents are frustrated by the frequent outages and “just trying to find ways to cope”.

He said: “People are so frustrated they are tired of complaining. Businesses have been coping with it and making adjustments to try to avoid losing goods. Some reduced the amount of perishables they bring in, many have bought generators. Businesses are just trying to find ways to cope.”

Mr Bethel added that he is hopeful the new plant is constructed within the promised 18-24 month timeline, and that Andros can demonstrate The Bahamas is committed to ensuring a more climate-friendly future.

He said: “I’m hoping for not just a switch from one type of power generation to another, you know. Let North Andros also be a model for what The Bahamas can do as we move forward into renewable energy and climate efficiency.”