The Tribune

BY FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) yesterday argued that businesses should not be expected to shoulder the burden of the country's energy crisis, arguing that the Government, Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) must present a clear plan to restore reliable power.

Dr Leo Rolle, the Chamber’s chief executive, said companies are already battling rising costs and slowing productivity due to recurring blackouts and should not have to "absorb the consequences of systemic failures".

"Ultimately, the Chamber exists to advocate for businesses. Right now, businesses are being asked to reduce consumption because the country's electricity infrastructure cannot reliably meet demand. That is not a burden they created," Dr Rolle said.

"While we understand it is a long-standing problem, the first response should be for the Government, BPL and Bahamas Grid to outline a clear plan and timeline to restore reliable electricity. Businesses are already contending with high taxes, rising costs, regulatory burdens and now lost productivity from rolling blackouts. They cannot be expected to absorb the consequences of systemic failures while also carrying the responsibility of solving them."

Dr Rolle was responding after BPL appealed to businesses and government agencies to reduce electricity consumption as record demand pushed the country's power system closer to its limits.

His comments also followed BGC chief executive, Dareo McKenzie's, suggestion that people could spend time at the beach during the hottest parts of the day to help ease electricity demand.

Dr Rolle also took issue with recent public comments encouraging businesses and residents to reduce electricity use. "Rather than ill-placed and insulting suggestions to businesses for reduced consumption or going on the beach, here are some things we can do in collaboration for short-term relief," he said.

He added that one immediate step would be expanding the energy efficiency audit programme that the Chamber negotiated with the Government earlier this year, suggesting the Chamber could administer the initiative to help businesses identify ways to reduce electricity costs.

Dr Rolle also proposed grant funding for smaller businesses to adopt solar energy and other energy-efficient technologies after completing an audit, saying many companies may need to upgrade air conditioning systems, refrigeration equipment and other major electricity users.

His other recommendations included licensing solar energy providers so businesses can identify qualified installers, increasing awareness of the existing duty-free concessions for importing high-efficiency equipment, and encouraging greater use of solar-powered air conditioning systems, which he suggested account for a significant share of commercial electricity demand.

Dr Rolle also proposed that the Chamber host a webinar featuring energy efficiency experts and solar providers to share practical conservation measures with businesses, noting that the organisation had undertaken a similar initiative in 2017.

"We thrive on collaboration rather than confrontation," said Dr Rolle. "The business community should have been consulted through the Chamber, their premier voice, to relay suggestions and strategise possible assistive and adaptive remedies."