fp Turks and Caicos

Consultants hired by government to review regulations for electricity providers in the Turks and Caicos Islands are asking for the public to help it review the country’s regulation framework.

During a preliminary visit to the TCI beginning Aug. 2, members of independent economics consultancy Oxera met with government ministries, members of the Advisory Council and Consultative Forum, some electricity users, the Chambers of Commerce on Grand Turk and Providenciales and the power companies.

Oxera is attempting to gather an accurate understanding of the present approach to regulating electricity services. The two-month review is “particularly interested to hear the comments and concerns of different groups on the economic structure for electricity generation,” government said in a press statement.

Oxera especially wants comments on the following questions:

• Do you find the existing system of regulation of electricity services clear and understandable? If not, how could transparency be improved?
• What do you see are the main issues to reform in the existing system of electricity regulation?
• Do you believe the existing provisions within the current regulatory framework for the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are effective?

Oxera specialists are scheduled later in August to begin a more detailed assessment.

Comments can be submitted until Sept. 9 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Individuals and groups who are unable to make representations directly to the e-mail address are urged to provide feedback through their district commissioners.

North Caicos
McLean Handfield, office 649-946-7108, fax 649-946-7305, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

South Caicos
Emily Malcolm, cell 649-232-1300, office 649-946-3211, fax 649-946-3483, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Salt Cay
Almaida Wilson, office 649-946-6985, fax 649-946-6911, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Middle Caicos
Dottis Arthur, office 649-946-6100 or fax 649-946-6100.

The high cost of energy in the islands is a hot topic because it impacts every resident in the islands, especially so in the current depressed economy.

The government said it decided to conduct the study because of “a number of views expressed by consumers, electricity providers and other stakeholders concerning the cost, organisation and continuity of the power supply in TCI.”

Earlier this year, the government hired Castalia Strategic Advisors to prepare a draft national energy conservation policy and implementation strategy for the TCI.

“Although many customers, particularly within the hotel industry, have recently expressed interest in developing self-generating capacity, (Fortis TCI Ltd.) remains legally responsible for all generation in its service area,” Castalia said.

Click here to read Castalia's TCI Energy Policy and implementation strategy