Curtain Closes on Regional Workshop for Electricity Regulators in Small Island Caribbean States

Photos provided by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure | Basseterre.

The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), in partnership with the Organization of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) and The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, hosted a successful workshop for electricity regulators in small island Caribbean states from March 12 - 14, 2024 at the Marriott Resort in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts.

In his keynote address, St. Kitts and Nevis' Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy, Utilities, Domestic Transport, and Information and Communication Technologies, Hon. Konris Maynard, dissected the theme, "Right-sizing Electricity Regulations in Small Island States within the Caribbean: How far, how fast?"

[caption id="attachment_21254" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Photos provided by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure | Basseterre.[/caption]

Addressing the audience of government ministers, senior officials, and regulators from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) territories,​ ​Minister Maynard said, "The term "right-sizing" implies the importance of developing regulations that are appropriate and proportionate to the specific needs and challenges faced by small island states with limited resources, small populations, and unique geographical constraints that can impact their energy systems. The question "How far, how fast?" addresses the extent and pace of regulatory changes needed to address the energy challenges in small island states. It prompts discussions on the balance between ambitious goals for transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources and the practical considerations of implementing these changes within the context of small island economies."

As the curtain closed on the three-day workshop for electricity regulators and stakeholders in the Caribbean, Mr. Darryl Lloyd, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy, Utilities and Domestic Transport on St. Kitts, encapsulated the momentous event in his closing remarks.

[caption id="attachment_21258" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Photos provided by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure | Basseterre.[/caption]

"Throughout the workshop, we delved into the complex landscape of electricity regulation, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in our region's energy transition. We covered a wide range of topics, from the foundational principles of regulation to innovative solutions for renewable energy integration and multi-hazard management," Mr. Lloyd said.

The participants covered various topics related to electricity regulation and sustainable energy transitions. On the first day, they learned about the basics of electricity regulation and the significance of managing price volatility and externalities. 

The second day involved analyzing real-world case studies highlighting the achievements and challenges of renewable energy integration and multi-hazard management in the Caribbean. 

[caption id="attachment_21255" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Photos provided by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure | Basseterre.[/caption]

Finally, on the third day, the participants discussed ways to improve the regulatory environment and establish or enhance regulatory authorities to drive sustainable energy transitions.

The CCREEE was represented at the workshop by Dr Devon Gardner, Head of Technical Programmes and Capacity Development and Gender Expert Ms. Cherri-Ann Farquharson. The workshop was made possible through financial support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, and technical support from the Fair Trading Commission in Barbados and the Office of Utilities Regulation in Jamaica. ​