The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) is gearing up for its third annual energy security forum, its chief executive yesterday arguing this nation cannot afford to “stand still and do nothing” on the issue.

Edison Sumner said the forum, set for December 13, will focus on the Bahamas’ current energy difficulties, coupled with the renewable energy sector.

“The theme for this year’s forum is ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and what happens if we ignore what is in front of us as a country,” he said.

“We are at a point where we cannot stand still now and do nothing. We have to see some real tangible results going forward.”

Mr Sumner added: “One of the things we have seen since the last energy forum is that BPL is now operating.  They are now making their own structural changes, and the challenges they would have had  following the hurricane.

“This year we want to hear from the regulator. At the last forum, URCA had not yet taken over the energy sector. We want to hear about their role, the plans looking at renewables and alternative forms of energy.

“We want to talk about how we can access funding for the renewable energy sector, how individuals and companies can access funding to turn their homes and businesses into less fuel-dependent places. We want to talk about the cost of energy.”