EUD offers multiple ways to learn about TCI’s proposed Renewable Energy Bill  

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND UTILITIES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 10^th October 2024 – Once enacted, the country’s proposed Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 (RE Bill) will impact residents across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), and the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) urges you to learn about the RE Bill, ask questions and share your views.

“The proposed RE Bill will shape the energy landscape here in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur. “It’s our future and our children’s future, and it’s important that residents understand what it all means. That’s why we have embarked on a robust, multi-channel engagement program that includes public meetings in communities across the islands, a chance for residents to provide written feedback when it’s convenient to them, a brief survey to gauge your views on the Bill, a background document that outlines the key aspects of the RE Bill, and more.”

Residents may engage on the RE Bill in the following ways:

• Meet with Commissioner Arthur and his team for a presentation and Q&A on the RE Bill at a community session:
  • Grand Turk: October 15 from 6PM to 9PM at Dillon Hall
  • Providenciales: October 17 from 6PM to 9PM at Gus Lightbourne Gym
  • South Caicos: October 21 from 6PM to 9PM at the Community Hall
  • North Caicos: October 22 from 6PM to 9PM at Horse Stable Beach
  • Middle Caicos: October 23 from 6PM to 9PM at Conch Bar Community Hall
• Visit the EUD’s website to access the RE Bill and associated materials at https://www.gov.tc/eud/
• Provide written feedback on the RE Bill by Friday, October 24, 2024, to eudconsultation@gov.tc
• Participate in the EUD’s brief RE Bill survey at surveymonkey.com/r/V6S8B9L
• Follow the Government’s social media channels for news and updates as stakeholder engagement continues, and as the RE Bill goes through the critical steps toward Cabinet approval.

“In order for the RE Bill to be the very best piece of legislation it can be, and to be truly representative of the views of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, it’s critical that we hear from you,” continued Commissioner Arthur. “We want you to understand the RE Bill and have your say, so we are making every effort to ensure that happens. I look forward to sharing more in your communities over the coming three weeks.”

The overarching goals of the RE Bill are to reduce TCI’s reliance on expensive fossil fuels, increase energy diversity, enhance energy security, and support the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future. It will provide a framework for renewable energy systems including licensing and interconnection, as well as the development of integrated resource planning for the energy sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands.