Business

What Gives The GBPA Regulatory Control?

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – It all started in the early 90s with the execution of the East and West End Agreements.

Published

8 months ago

August 14, 2024

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – It all started in the early 90s with the execution of the East and West End Agreements. History shows that the utility companies agreed to offer their services to communities outside of the city of Freeport under the then-Ingraham administration. The Grand Bahama Utility Company was responsible for building the infrastructure for water, while the then-power company assumed responsibility for generating power in all government territories on the island, including East End, West End, Smiths Point, Madders Town, North Water Cay, and Sweetings Cay.

Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) officials confirm that the East and West End Agreements gave regulatory control to the GBPA. The agreement was extended for an additional 25 years under the Minnis administration after it expired in 2018. When Emera purchased the controlling shares of Freeport Power Company, the power giant evolved into the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC). In 2013, GBPC and GBPA signed a regulatory framework that governs the standards and processes of the GBPC.

Rupert Hayward, a shareholder of the GBPA, explains that the purpose of the East and West End Agreements was to help residents living outside the port area by allowing the western and eastern ends of the island to see lower utility bills.