The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION MP Kwasi Thompson accused Bahamas Power and Light of offering excuses rather than solutions for persistent power outages, saying the government has failed to deliver on promises to lower electricity costs and improve reliability.

During his contribution in Parliament on Monday, the East Grand Bahama MP referred to a recent BPL statement that blamed equipment failures, underground cable faults and an early summer heat wave for recent outages.

"Bahamians have every right to demand answers," he said. "These explanations sound less like solutions and more like excuses."

Mr Thompson said the government’s handling of the electricity sector has become one of its most significant unfulfilled promises.

"In 2021, the PLP promised Bahamians lower electricity costs and a more reliable power supply," he said. "Instead, we have watched electricity bills get higher. Families have had to cut back on groceries and other necessities, while businesses have faced rising energy costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers."

He said the relief promised to consumers has not materialised, leaving many households under greater financial strain.

Mr Thompson also criticised the government’s record on electricity reliability, saying residents in Eleuthera, Abaco, Andros and other Family Islands have endured years of power disruptions that affected homes, businesses and daily life.

Referring to reports from Cat Island, he said business owners described a recent island-wide blackout as "tragic" because it disrupted economic activity linked to the island’s Rake and Scrape festival.

"Power failures continue to undermine economic opportunities and disrupt lives," he said.

Mr Thompson warned that New Providence could face another summer of outages, citing recent reports of interruptions in several Nassau communities.

He said the government, having completed a full term in office and secured re-election, must take responsibility for fixing the country’s energy problems.

"You have had more than enough time to fix these problems," Thompson said. "At this stage, responsibility rests squarely with the government."

He said Bahamians want to know when electricity costs will fall, when reliability will improve and when the government will produce a clear plan to modernise the country’s power infrastructure.

Turning to Grand Bahama, Mr Thompson said residents are still waiting to see the benefits they were promised.

"When will electricity become more affordable? When will reliability improve? Where is the roadmap for modernizing the system?" he asked.

He also questioned when Bahamians would be allowed to own and benefit from the power company as part of the government’s broader energy reform agenda.

"The government calls this progress," Mr Thompson said, "but for too many Bahamians, progress feels like pressure."