#Providenciales, August 28, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – An
additional halfmegawatt (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) energy generation is
connected to the FortisTCI electricity grid in Providenciales following the
commissioning of three rooftop installations earlier this month. All three PV
systems were installed in conjunction with commercial customers Caicos Depot,
Carlisle Supplies, and Grace Bay Car Rental and are a part of the company’s
Utility Owned Renewable Energy Program (UORE). Investment costs for the three
installations totalled approximately $1.4 million.
At 397
kW, the Caicos Depot installation marks the largest UORE project that the
company has so far undertaken. To date, FortisTCI has installed 1 MW of rooftop
solar PV in partnership with nine customers through its UORE Program. The UORE
program allows participants to save on their energy costs by earning a monthly
fixed credit on their utility bill for the use of rooftop space. There is also
an annual variable payout based on the generation production of each PV system.
The current solar installations have helped FortisTCI avoid 1.5 million pounds
of Co2 equivalent emissions and have created a more environmentally friendly
Turks and Caicos Islands.
Speaking
on behalf of Grace Bay Car Rental, Todd Foss said, “When Fortis approached
us for this partnership, it was actually a really easy way for Grace Bay Car
Rentals and all our associated companies and our staff to take part in what I
think will be a great asset to the island in terms of renewable energy. I think
it’s also a leading example of what can be done.” Also speaking on the
partnership with FortisTCI, owner of Carlisle Supplies Pierre Magnier said,
“We are very proud to be a part of this program, and we look forward to
seeing many more of these installations throughout Turks and Caicos as Fortis
develops its renewable energy programs and its green alternatives.”
FortisTCI
President and CEO Eddinton Powell said, “We have worked over the past
several years to not only prepare for the changing energy landscape in the
Turks and Caicos Islands, but also to lead the change. It has required a focus
on delivering high quality, reliable, and affordable electricity service, and a
commitment to resiliency and sustainability, which needs strategic investment
in people and infrastructure. The company is enthusiastic about the
possibilities that renewable energy integration offers and the partnerships we
are building. Together, we can create a more sustainable energy future for the
country.”
In late 2018 and early 2019, FortisTCI worked alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and the Rocky Mountain Institute to develop an Integrated Resource Plan and Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS). These plans will serve as the country’s energy blueprint and propose an optimal mix of generation that includes 33% renewable energy by 2040.