BY: LATONYA ROBERTS
Journal Staff Writer

Bahamians’ light bills will get much lower and a new law that the Davis
administration will pass will ensure that bills stay low. This according to prime
minister Philip Davis as he opened the Energy Summit on Thursday.
The low rates will be felt by Bahamians throughout the archipelago, according
to the Prime Minister Davis. The provisions for it come under the new
Electricity Act.
“We passed new electricity legislation that will give consumers stronger
protections and allow for adjustments in tariff rates to ensure that those who
most urgently need relief from high energy costs could get it. Each of these
components work toward the same goal: to reduce the financial burden on
Bahamians, to create a sustainable energy ecosystem, and to lay the groundwork
for economic growth. When we lower the cost of energy, we are not just
relieving an immediate burden; we are creating space for growth. Imagine what
becomes possible for a small business owner when energy costs go down.”
The Prime Minister added that the choice to lower energy costs will relieve the
burden of meeting energy prices for many Bahamian households.
“Reducing the cost of energy isn’t just an economic choice; it’s a choice to
empower every Bahamian with the opportunity to succeed, thrive, and build a
future right here at home. This administration has always stood for change for
breaking the status quo when it holds our country back. Today, we are choosing
a different future, a future where energy costs no longer weigh down Bahamian
families and businesses, a future where The Bahamas leads in sustainable
development, and a future where opportunity is within reach for all.”
Acknowledging the outdated equipment used for energy distribution, he also
said, “we must acknowledge the reality our electricity infrastructure is aging
some parts of it are over 50 years old dating back to a time when our nation was
on the road to independence. Some of our most essential components from
transformers to sub-stations are near the end of their life span. There is also the
question of our power plants, as 60% of our generations in New Providence and
up to 80% in our Family Islands need replacement within the next five years.
It’s a system that struggles to meet today’s needs let alone the demands of
tomorrow.”

With the Davis administration’s commitment to energy reform, the Prime
Minster said strategic investments must be made to execute the plan of energy
reform.
“When we came into office, we knew we had to address this head-on, and we
began this work immediately. We made it our mission to envision a new energy
future for The Bahamas.” He said, “imagine a future where Bahamians no
longer dread their energy bills each month, where the lights stay on throughout
storms, where entrepreneurs are empowered to create new businesses without
the constraints of high utility costs, and where our children grow up with access
to the kind of clean, modern infrastructure that they deserve.”
The prime minister added that this vision is possible, “but it will take bold steps
and strategic investment. And so, we’re taking a comprehensive, multi-pronged
approach to bring this vision to life.”