DeCosta Bethel, Manager of Energy Supply made the recommendation at a BEC town meeting recently, which was dominated by discussions on how to reduce electricity costs.
“A sound energy policy is a fundamental building block for a strong economy, a clean environment and beneficial social conditions,” Mr Bethel said. “Almost 100 per cent of our energy needs depends on imported hydrocarbons.
This has placed a huge burden on limited foreign exchange, has had significant negative environmental and social impacts, and is troubled by high prices and uncertain supplies of oil.”
Works Minister Bradley Roberts agreed with Mr. Bethel, saying that executives at the corporation could lead the way to develop such a plan.
He said that BEC must also improve its operations by eliminating street lights that burn unnecessarily, 24 hours a day.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Ron Pinder, who was at the town meeting, said the government could also help by ensuring the lights in public buildings are turned off after 5 pm.
Many who attended the town meeting expressed interest in alternative forms of generating energy such as with the use of solar panels.
Commending the government on its decision to reduce electricity rates, Montagu Member of Parliament, Brent Symonette suggested that the solar system is a good option since the maintenance of such units could be low, if used properly.
