NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The business community is “seriously concerned” about energy stability in the country, according to the Chief Executive of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), who noted, “When it rains, it pours.”
Dr. Leo Rolle told Eyewitness News that the recent disruptions by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) exemplify the adage, as businesses are already struggling with increased fees, minimum wage hikes, inflation, and other financial pressures.
“The recent disruptions at BPL bring life to the adage, ‘when it rains, it pours’. Already having to contend with increased business license fees, audited financial requirements, minimum wage hike, NIB increase, inflation from suppliers, and duty increases, the business community now has to grapple with an energy crisis that undoubtedly impacts the ease, safety, and cost of doing business, irrespective of sector,” said Dr Rolle.
He added: “The BCCEC and its members continue to be seriously concerned with energy stability in the country. We have seen bills rise dramatically in recent months with a paradoxical decline in service consistency and reliability. We urge the government to take whatever steps are necessary to stabilize and reduce the cost of energy and welcome the discussion on relief and reforms that are “underway” as suggested by the Minister in a recent press update.”
Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis assured residents last Friday that the government is working urgently to resolve electricity issues. Her statement followed an extensive blackout in New Providence that began at 9 PM on Thursday, August 15, 2024, and continued into the morning of Friday, August 16, 2024. Bahamas Power and Light officials reported that up to 50 percent of electricity consumers in New Providence were affected by the power generation failure.
Coleby-Davis explained that the country’s transmission and distribution lines are “stressed and strained,” noting: “We are demanding a certain voltage of power to be generated for various homes and businesses.” This blackout occurred shortly after the Davis administration announced its 5-point Energy Reform plan. The Energy Minister assured reporters that the plan “is progressing” and will address ongoing power issues, which remain a significant concern for local consumers. The power company is also facing challenges in Eleuthera.
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