How will the Bahamas reform its energy sector?

The Government of the Bahamas has discussed plans to reform its energy sector through a partial-privatization of BEC and by introducing regulation-by-contract principles to meet the capacity for future growth, implementing more economically viable renewable energy sources, and modern-izing the energy sector.

Who owns electricity in the Bahamas?

Majority-owned by Emera Inc. Based on average global generation costs for renewable technologies, electricity rates in the Bahamas offer an oppor-tunity for renewable energy to diversify the fuel portfolio and reduce rate volatility.

How much does electricity cost in the Bahamas?

Located north of Cuba, with the Turks and Caicos Islands to the southeast, the Bahamas has an average electricity cost of $0.32 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), in line with the Caribbean regional average of $0.33/kWh.

What is the energy eficiency initiative in the Bahamas?

With energy-related costs estimated at 15% to 20% of annual operating budgets for small- and medium-sized hotels in the Bahamas, the Bahamian hotel industry launched a significant energy eficiency initiative in 2013 in partnership with the Government of the Bahamas to reduce energy- related costs.

How much power does the Bahamas have?

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) controls 438 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity, while Grand Bahama Power Corporation (GBPC) controls the remain-ing 98 MW. Generation is currently fueled by all imported petroleum with a mix of diesel (56.5%) and heavy fuel oil (43.5%), totaling 1,930 gigawatt-hours (GWh) for the entire country.

Will the Bahamas have a solar water heating system?

In the next decade, the Bahamas aims to have solar water heating systems on 20% to 30% of all households, which has the potential of adding 200 GWh of heat for water per year. According to preliminary assessments, wind and solar resources offer the greatest potential for renewable energy development in the Bahamas.