Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs Marsha Caddle is questioning the timing of the Barbados Light & Power’s decision to apply for a rate increase.
Speaking during a branch meeting of the St Michael South Central constituency on Wednesday night, Caddle argued that it was counterproductive to introduce the conversation about rate increases. She cited investment in renewable energy infrastructure as a rationale and a time when Government is taking steps to simplify the process for licensing of renewable energy investment.
“Renewable energy, even if not now, has to at some point provide a pathway to more affordable energy at the level of businesses and at the level of the households. In the context of looking at prices and incomes and what people can bear, I believe that it is very difficult to make the case for, and justify, while simplifying the process for renewable energy licence,” Caddle said.
The management of the BL&P made the case that the utility has been hard hit by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and that the fiscal space was needed for much needed infrastructural investments such as renewable energy, which are in sync with Government’s goal of 100 per cent green energy by 2030. (CLM)
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