NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has ordered Saint George’s Cay Power Company Limited (SGCPC) to revise its renewable energy plan, scaling back proposed fees and removing restrictions on off-grid systems.
Saint George’s Cay Power Company (SGCPC), the sole licensed electricity provider for Spanish Wells and Russell Island, is set to overhaul its diesel-dependent grid with a phased renewable energy strategy, targeting 30 percent solar generation by 2027 while laying the groundwork for up to 90 percent — a move aimed at lowering costs and aligning with national energy policy goals.
Under its Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) license and the Electricity Act, 2024, SGCPC is mandated to introduce renewable energy into its supply mix in a least-cost, sustainable manner. The company serves customers across St. George’s Cay (Spanish Wells), Russell Island, West End Cay, Charles Cay, and Royal Island.
The decision follows URCA’s review of SGCPC’s Renewable Energy Plan, conducted in line with the Electricity Act, 2024, and the National Energy Policy (2025–2030). The review incorporated written submissions, a resident petition, and feedback from a public forum held in October 2025.
Under the Final Determination, SGCPC must make several amendments to its plan. Off-grid systems will no longer require SGCPC approval and will not be subject to interconnection fees, while recurring annual inspection charges have been removed. Compensation for exported electricity will now be based on the prevailing monthly fuel charge rather than the lower rate originally proposed, and the glossary and definitions have been revised for clarity and accessibility. Electrical installations may be carried out by either single-phase or three-phase licensed contractors in The Bahamas, and the fee structure has been adjusted using Bahamas Power and Light as a benchmark, resulting in substantially lower fees than initially proposed.
URCA emphasized that these amendments ensure the plan aligns with national energy policy objectives while maintaining a fair, transparent, and proportionate regulatory framework. The authority also acknowledged the high level of public interest in the process and thanked all residents, stakeholders, and participants whose feedback helped shape the final determination.
SGCPC is required to submit its revised Renewable Energy Plan incorporating URCA’s amendments within 14 calendar days.
