The Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) has issued a compelling call for strengthened regulatory safeguards and equitable grid access policies following the government’s decision to award Barbados Light and Power Company with a substantial 30-year national grid management license. This development, formalized through an agreement with the Ministry of Energy, has prompted BREA President Meshia Clarke to emphasize the critical need for transparency and accountability within the island’s power sector.
While recognizing the license agreement as a pivotal milestone that provides essential regulatory clarity and establishes the legal framework for utility operations, BREA maintains that the true measure of success will lie in its implementation. The association contends that mere contractual formalization falls short without concrete mechanisms ensuring fair grid accessibility and accelerated renewable integration.
BREA’s leadership articulated both the opportunities and responsibilities inherent in this long-term arrangement. The license presents potential for sustained investment and technological innovation within Barbados’ electricity infrastructure. Conversely, it carries the responsibility to guarantee nondiscriminatory grid access, particularly for small and medium enterprises, independent power producers, and residential consumers seeking renewable interconnection.
The association emphasized that delayed interconnection processes and restrictive practices would directly undermine national energy objectives and effectively limit grid accessibility. With regulatory stability now established, BREA expects the utility to prioritize resolving grid stability challenges to facilitate seamless renewable integration.
Acknowledging Light and Power’s previous cooperation in energy transition efforts and consistent service delivery despite prior licensing ambiguities, BREA nevertheless stressed the necessity of robust oversight. The Ministry of Energy and Fair Trading Commission must ensure utility operations align with national policy directives without compromising consumer or investor interests.
The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica served as a sobering reminder of why community resilience through energy participation is fundamentally essential rather than optional. BREA advocates for meaningful involvement pathways for schools, churches, and community organizations in the energy transition process.
Transparent performance reporting and public disclosure mechanisms were highlighted as critical components for building institutional trust and maintaining accountability. As Barbados pursues ambitious 2035 renewable energy and carbon-neutrality targets, BREA insists the new license must catalyze accelerated adoption rather than perpetuate outdated practices. The association pledged continued stakeholder engagement through technical collaboration and public education initiatives to transform the license into an instrument for inclusive growth and sustainable energy transformation.