Grand Bahama recently served as the second stop in a series of National Town Hall Meetings hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Transport, engaging stakeholders and members of the public in critical consultation on the Draft National Energy Policy (NEP) 2025–2030.
The initiative aims to create a unified national grid across all islands of The Bahamas, while simultaneously listening to public concerns and building a more reliable and accessible energy future.
Nandi Maynard, a senior official with the Ministry of Energy and Transport, encouraged attendees to join the Ministry in this transformative journey toward a more sustainable and resilient Bahamas. The consultation reflects the government’s commitment to energy reform and to ensuring that every voice is heard in the shaping of the nation’s future energy framework.
The session featured collaboration among government leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders. Representatives from the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) were present, with Equipment Consumer Relations Manager, Juan McCartney explaining URCA’s role in the drafting and consultation process under the new Electricity Act and Natural Gas Act, both of which came into effect on June 1, 2024.
Residents were informed about the direct benefits the National Energy Policy aims to deliver, including improved service reliability, greater energy access, and a more sustainable energy supply.
Deputy Director of Energy in the Ministry of Energy and Transport, Verron Darville, stressed the importance of community input, encouraging residents to share their ideas and concerns. All comments and submissions related to the Draft National Energy Policy should be sent to nep2025@bahamas.gov.bs no later than May 1, 2025.
The Grand Bahama forum was held on April 24, 2025, at the Ministry of Public Service’s Winn Building.
The next consultation will take place in Eleuthera, with additional town hall meetings planned for Abaco, Exuma, Cat Island, and Inagua. The public is strongly encouraged to participate in these important discussions as the Government moves toward the next phase: implementation.
By SHAKARA TROTT/Bahamas Information Services
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