The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Private sector executives yesterday said they had a “frank and open” discussion with Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) new chief executive, while acknowledging that few specifics were given on the energy monopoly’s turnaround plan.

Mike Maura, Arawak Port Development Company’s (APD) chief executive, told Tribune Business: “Ms [Pam] Hill is a very capable professional, and what she basically provided was a summary of the approach that she and BPL are taking, with a focus on reliability, customer service and affordability.

“She shared that on the affordability side, a big constraint that we have is our dependence on the fuels that we use, where on our BEC bill today as much as 50 per cent of that is specific to the fuel cost.

“She mentioned that they are looking seriously at moving to automated meter infrastructure. She spoke about how they have been too dependent on the Blue Hills plant, which has the older generators that are less efficient than the Clifton engines, and that’s an area of concern for them. She shared, although it’s no surprise, that there is a real issue with accounts receivables.”

Mr Maura added: “I thought it was a frank discussion. I thought she was giving a very straightforward perspective in terms of what they have to do. I think she did a great job.

“She didn’t necessarily provide a detailed plan. She’s only been on the island for a month. I think we need to give her some time to understand what she is responsible for.”

Another local businessman, who attended the meeting but wished not to be identified, told Tribune Business: “I thought she was direct in her communication in terms of what they hope to achieve. It’s obvious that there is still some element of political interference.

“She kept stressing that they are getting better. It’s obvious that they still have a way to go in terms of being able to regularise Bahamas Power & Light to the point that it is running anywhere near where it should be. We still have a bit to go through obviously.”

He added: “The actual business plan for BPL in its totality will not be released to provide the general public with any details of the things they have planned. Obviously they are going to address customer service and maintenance, and things of that nature in the public domain, but there are no plans to formally release the entire business plan, which to me is understandable.

“Even though it is a government corporation it is being run as a private business, and not everything is for public consumption. I think, however, that there should be an executive summary with key points from the business plan that should be in the public domain.”