The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - Bahamian consumers could substantially lower their electricity bills on Grand Bahama by implementing the right energy solution technology in their homes and businesses. At a town meeting hosted by Power Plus Bahamas, a group of energy technology experts from the US shared the latest in solar and other energy saving technology and products that can reduce energy consumption by much as 80 per cent. The high cost of electricity has been a major issue for residents and businesses on the island. The fuel surcharge is based on the world market movements in the price of oil, which could be very costly. Community activist Troy Garvey said Power Plus Bahamas, has partnered with Power Plus Electric, Gen Pro, and Net Zero out of the United States to bring energy saving solutions to Grand Bahama consumers. Jeremy Anderson, CEO of Power Plus Electric; Mr Dwight Patterson, CEO of GENPRO Energy Solutions; and Anthony Cannon of Net Zero Development Group were in Grand Bahama on Thursday. Mr Anderson said an assessment must be conducted in order to determine the right energy solution for the consumer. According to some assessments conducted in Grand Bahama, he noted that consumers can save as much as 80 per cent on their power bills. "We want to help the average residential and commercial consumer to live and conduct business without struggling to pay their power bill," he said. "We go in and assess the situation and help Power Plus Bahamas use the right technology by finding out where the power is going, how much consumers are spending, and find areas where we can eliminate or drastically cut back their energy consumption," he said. Mr Anderson said Bahamians should consider using solar technology, energy efficient lighting and installing proper insulation in their homes and buildings. Dwight Patterson, CEO of Gen Pro, said his company manufactures renewable energy products and distribute renewable energy systems to companies throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas. He said that there is lighting technology that can reduce a consumer's power bill up to 70 per cent. "There are also pool pump technology and other cooling technology which does not use utility and allows consumers to replace existing AC or pool pumps," Patterson said. He noted that anytime oil is used as the primary producer of electricity, the cost of electricity will always fluctuate based on the cost of a barrel of oil. "If you can produce your own energy in any format you have control of your own energy cost," he said.