Editor,
As an advocate for good governance and civic engagement, the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) underscores the necessity of regular and standardized public consultation in crafting inclusive, responsive, and democratic legislation. It is our belief that when citizens are well-informed about proposed laws and can express their views, the likelihood of enacting robust policies that truly serve the public interest increases significantly.
Last week, the House of Assembly tabled the Natural Gas Bill and Electricity Bill, 2024. These bills, which aim to modernize and regulate the energy sector, propose a notably short timeframe for debate and passage—just one week. Such a limited period restricts meaningful public consultation and stakeholder engagement on matters of significant importance.
The Electricity Bill 2024, in particular, introduces critical changes, including a three-year transitional period for tariff rate adjustments. During this period, the Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) will accept tariff rates as notified by public electricity suppliers without conducting a comprehensive tariff review. Consequently, the government will have the discretion to allow electricity suppliers to set their rates without the typical approval and oversight from URCA as an independent regulator, potentially affecting consumers’ electricity bills.
From a governance perspective, the brief window for consultation and the restricted availability of the bills for public review are concerning. They represent a missed opportunity for meaningful engagement with both citizens and the private sector on a critical issue.
URCA’s draft Annual Plan for 2024, which outlines its priorities and invites public input, exemplifies effective governance practices. Policymakers stand to benefit immensely from prioritizing public consultation and standardization in the legislative process. Engaging citizens and stakeholders in meaningful dialogue ensures that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of those most affected—the people of The Bahamas.
ORG encourages the public to review the Electricity Bill, 2024 and the Natural Gas Bill, 2024, available at the Policy Review Center on our website (https://www.orgbahamas.com/policyreviewcenter). We urge everyone to become informed and engage with their MPs to express their views. Democracy thrives when fueled by diverse voices.
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