Energy Minister: Weekend Blackout Was “Highly Unusual,” More Consumption Causing Bill Spike

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After weeks of frustration over power outages and high electricity bills, Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis is addressing the concerns, insisting the long hours blackout on Sunday was highly unusual.

Jobeth Coleby-Davis – Minister, Energy and Utilities

“For every person who was affected, I want to begin by offering my sincere apology. Electricity is not a luxury. It is an essential service.”

The outages have disrupted homes, businesses, hospitals and hotels, leaving thousands without power during some of the hottest days of the year.

A part of the frustration for residents are higher electricity bills amid the frequent outages.

However, Coleby-Davis, who was speaking at the Office of the Prime Minister’s press briefing, insists BPL rates have not changed, adding that higher bills are the result of increased energy use during the summer months.

Jobeth Coleby-Davis – Minister, Energy and Utilities

“What has changed for numerous households is the amount of electricity being used during one of the hottest summers we have experienced in recent years.”

The energy minister also giving this advice to residents, when it comes to cutting their consumption.

Jobeth Coleby-Davis – Minister, Energy and Utilities

“Close curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day, especially on east and west facing windows. If possible, use blackout curtains to reduce the amount of heat entering your home. Set your thermostat around 78 degrees. Lowering it to 68 does not cool your home faster.”

Meanwhile, as the Davis administration tries to get a handle on the energy industry, Coleby-Davis says energy transformation will include a liquefied natural gas plant, which they plan to break ground on Monday.

Jobeth Coleby-Davis – Minister, Energy and Utilities

“By the end of this transformation, New Providence will be supported by approximately 172 megawatts of LNG generation, utility-scale solar already under construction, battery energy storage, modern substations, upgraded transmission infrastructure, and existing generation working together as one integrated system.”