The Mia Mottley administration took a major step towards realising its renewable energy ambitions with the passage of the Energy Supply Bill in the House of Assembly on Monday, as government lawmakers hailed the legislation as a cornerstone of the country’s energy sector transformation.
They said the bill aims to address shortcomings in the existing Electric Light and Power Act and pave the way for a more sustainable and competitive energy market.
St George South MP and Minister of Housing, Lands, and Maintenance Dwight Sutherland emphasised the bill’s importance in reshaping Barbados’ energy landscape.
“This new bill is a critical legislative framework designed to support the transformation of our energy sector,” Sutherland said. “The old Electric Light and Power Act had its merits, but it also had significant weaknesses that needed to be addressed. The energy landscape has evolved, and so must our laws.”
The Energy Supply Bill is expected to play a crucial role in helping Barbados achieve its ambitious target of 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 while reducing energy costs. Key provisions include the creation of microgrids for more decentralised energy systems, measures to enable more domestic investors and businesses to participate in the energy market, and improved regulatory oversight.
The legislation is also intended to ensure that the interests of large corporations, like Barbados Light and Power Company Limited, are balanced with those of consumers.
Sutherland highlighted the bill’s potential to foster competition and innovation in energy production and distribution: “We are setting the stage for a more competitive energy market. This is not just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about modernising our infrastructure, encouraging new players, and ensuring that our people benefit from cheaper, cleaner energy sources.”
Addressing concerns about regulatory changes, Sutherland clarified that the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) would retain its role in economic regulation, including tariff management.
“The Fair Trading Commission will still be responsible for managing tariffs and economic regulation,” he explained. “But what this bill does is provide a clear framework for government intervention where necessary. It’s about ensuring that the legislative landscape supports our transformation goals.”
The minister also emphasised the importance of energy efficiency, particularly in sectors with high energy consumption such as hospitality and manufacturing. Referencing a 2012 report on energy use in hotels, Sutherland stressed the ongoing relevance of focusing on efficiency improvements.
“By making energy efficiency a priority, we can help reduce costs and improve competitiveness in these industries,” he noted.
Government backbench MP Sonia Browne expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This bill is about more than just policy. It’s about ensuring that every Barbadian has access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy,” Browne said. “The Energy Supply Bill 2024 is a key part of that vision, and it brings us closer to achieving our Sustainable Development Goals, especially in the areas of clean energy and climate action.”
She emphasised the social benefits of the bill and the broader renewable energy drive, highlighting its potential to benefit ordinary Barbadians.
The backbencher praised Barbados’ leadership in renewable energy, particularly solar energy development.
“Barbados is leading the way in the Caribbean when it comes to renewable energy, particularly in solar water heating. We’ve been pioneers in this area for decades, and we continue to be at the forefront of solar energy development globally,” Browne said.
The St Philip North MP commended the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy through various incentives, such as support for hybrid and electric vehicles and the expansion of solar street lighting across the island. She emphasised that these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to making renewable energy accessible to all Barbadians, regardless of economic status.
“We’ve seen the government take concrete steps towards energy equity. Solar street lighting, for instance, ensures that communities across Barbados, whether rural or urban, benefit from renewable energy. And the incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles are part of the broader push to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” she said.
Browne stressed that these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to making renewable energy accessible to all Barbadians, regardless of economic status.
“We’ve seen the government take concrete steps towards energy equity. Solar street lighting, for instance, ensures that communities across Barbados, whether rural or urban, benefit from renewable energy. And the incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles are part of the broader push to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” she said.
Both lawmakers emphasised the potential for job creation and skills development in the growing renewable energy industry. Browne highlighted government investments in education and training programmes, particularly for young Barbadians in solar photovoltaic installation.
“We are not just talking about energy transformation; we are making sure that Barbadians are ready to take advantage of it,” she said. “The government is investing in education and training programmes to teach our young people about photovoltaic installation. This is about preparing the next generation to lead our country into a future powered by renewable energy.”
