Electricity Bill sparks Senate debate on consumer impact

The Electricity Supply Bill introduced in the Senate on Friday sparked a debate focused on its potential impact on consumers and the nation’s transition to renewable energy.

While Minister of Energy Senator Lisa Cummins noted that the bill seeks to modernise the regulatory framework for the electricity industry, opposition and independent senators raised concerns about transparency, consumer protection, and the financial implications of the proposed changes.

Leading the debate, Senator Cummins highlighted the importance of reforming the electricity sector to reflect modern needs.

“In this nation, we have several primary objectives but first of all, it is to create a new framework for the electricity sector,” she said.

She noted that, given Barbados’ small market size, the bill aims to balance the management of a single utility provider with the need for liberalisation and greater access for independent energy producers.

“There has to be a discussion around how to manage a single utility as a monopoly service provider while liberalising the sector to make sure that there is democratisation of access for all,” the energy minister said.

One of the bill’s major provisions includes the underground placement of power lines to enhance grid resilience in the event of climate-related disasters.

“If a climate event hits this country and our power line system and infrastructure comes down, then the ability for us to recover our electrical infrastructure quickly has been severely hampered,” Cummins noted.

The bill also introduces a requirement for the utility company to notify the Ministry of Energy during major system failures – an obligation not present in the existing legislation.

Opposition Senator Ryan Walters acknowledged that the bill represented a step in the right direction but argued that it required significant improvements.

“We are not against it,” he said. “But
what we have seen needs significant improvement.”

He questioned whether any assessments had been conducted on the financial impact that the proposed changes would have on consumers.

“Has there been an assessment of if or how much it will cost consumers at the end of the day?” he asked, noting that while the renewable energy transition is important, it must not come at a high cost to the public.

Accusing the government of “mismanaging the process”, Senator Walters said: “They need to get it right.”

He further challenged the government to improve transparency and fix existing issues. 

“We have to work in the best interest of the people,” he said.

Independent Senator Andrew Mallalieu raised concerns about consumer protection and the need for a comprehensive legislative framework.

“I cannot actually comment about this bill because it is only one part of an overall solution,” he said. “It’s very difficult to talk about these in little pieces.”

“We need to understand the entire robust set of legislation that is going to address our energy needs going forward,” he added, likening the situation to being asked to play a cricket game without knowing the rules.

The real estate executive further noted that while the bill attempts to address some of the regulatory challenges, it does not provide a holistic solution to the country’s energy issues. (SM)