The government announced yesterday that registration for the Renewable Energy Self Generation (RESG) Pilot Programme will begin on Monday, May 11.
In a statement, the Minister of the Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett said the RESG programme will permit applicants operating wind and solar systems to tie into the electrical grid, which will assist in the reduction of their electricity costs and lessen the demand for electricity.
“All persons and businesses currently generating energy through alternative energy sources, including those who do not wish to connect to the grid are required by law to register their systems,” Dorsett said. “This exercise will assist the government in creating an inventory of alternative energy generating systems throughout the country.”
RESG is a part of the amendments to the Electricity Act, which became effective in March and it enables persons to install and operate renewable energy generating stations, which can be connected to the electrical grid.
In March, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis advised the House of Assembly that RESG provides the opportunity for Bahamians to generate energy through alternative energy sources, tie into the current electrical grid and receive a credit for excess electricity fed into the grid.
Davis noted that even though The Bahamas’ dawn for the Renewable Age lags behind global trends, the country has been judicious in its approach to catch up by empowering citizens to become independent power producers.
RESG registration is being carried out in accordance with the amendments made to the Electricity Act, the Ministry of the Environment and Housing, in collaboration with The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and The Ministry of Works and Urban Development.
Registration forms will be available online for downloading at www.bahamaselectricity.com.
Family Island residents can collect forms at local BEC offices and at the various island administrators’ offices.
In New Providence forms can be collected at the main offices of BEC on Tucker Road or at the Technical Planning Building also on Tucker Road.
The application process for the Grid Tie in Programme is scheduled to begin in September.
