The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has been working on a “proof of concept” trial for a pre-paid metering solution which it will offer to Bahamas Power & Light (BPL), the Deputy Prime Minister said yesterday.

Speaking at the Eleuthera Business Outlook conference at Valentine’s Resort & Marina in Harbour Island, Philip Davis said: “BTC is currently working with St George’s Cay Power on a ‘proof of concept’ trial in the Spanish Wells district. There, they have been using the BTC pre-paid metering solution for rental units.”

Mr Davis added: “Pre-paid metering will be beneficial to customers as renters will be responsible for their power usage. BTC expects to complete its proof of concept over the next few months, before offering the solution to BPL. Later this year, BTC will also develop a similar solution for pre-paid water metering.”

In early February, PowerSecure signed a five-year management services agreement with the Government to run BPL, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC’s) newly-created operating subsidiary.

OnFebruary 25, PowerSecure announced that the Atlanta-based utility giant, Southern Company, would acquire it for $431 million. PowerSecure will now become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company.

Mr Davis said on Wednesday that a new chief executive for BPL has been identified and should be in place within the next two weeks.

Former chief executive Jeff Wallace, who came to BPL from PowerSecure, and to PowerSecure from Southern Company, resigned abruptly last month for what were said to be “personal reasons”.