The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian renewable provider yesterday expressed frustration with the process for inspecting alternative energy systems, stressing the need for qualified inspectors.

Phil Holdom, president of Alternative Power Supply (APS), told the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) second annual energy security forum: “A lot of times an inspector will come, look at our systems and ask: What kind of system is that?

“You should not be an inspector if you cannot walk into a room, look at a piece of equipment and tell what kind of system it is. We do not seem to have anyone who is qualified enough to inspect. I hope URCA can help to resolve that issue. We have to have people that know the industry and have been in the industry. That is important.”

“We need accountability said Mr Holdom. “If they decide not to inspect your system or play with you, there is no recourse.

“I hope URCA will have an appeals process where we can go and say my inspection was not done on a timely basis or failed for a reason that does not have anything to do with a standard inspection process.”

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) will become the electricity sector’s independent regulator. Its primary responsibilities under the new Electricity Bill will include reviewing and approving electricity tariff rates charged to the consumer; reviewing the need for additional electricity generation by independent power producers; and establishing rules and approving competitive processes for procurement of power generation resources.

Its other responsibilities include ensuring the efficient operation of the electricity supply system; reviewing and granting applications for public electricity supplier licences; and issuing licences and collecting fees from all licensees and public electricity suppliers.