Business Monday: BCCI delivers on energy security

With the quest to become the greenest economy in the Caribbean and Latin America, ambassadors for Renewable Energy (RE) in Barbados have undertaken the task to research and develop energy saving products through alternate methods, and provide cost effective solutions for businesses and household consumers.

Last Wednesday, BCCI added to the private sector’s efforts towards the intended goal, by hosting an informative discussion at their June Business Luncheon, sponsored by Caribbean LED Lighting Inc. With the theme being ‘Energy Security: The Game Changer’, members of the business community were made aware of Barbados’ progress on the RE Agenda, particularly from a private sector’s perspective.

Select representatives from some of the key stakeholder companies within the RE landscape of Barbados formed the panel moderated by Jim Reid – Caribbean LED Lighting Inc.

Starting the session off, Assistant Commissioner, RBPF, Erwin Boyce, was pleased to report that with the increased lighting installed in Bridgetown, under The Revitalisation of Bridgetown Initiative (TRBI), criminal minds were deterred and the police were better able to adapt and control the level of crime which was affecting the area.

Ezra Prescod, General Manager of SOL (Barbados) Ltd., highlighted how his company has embraced the RE movement through the use of cleaner technology methods, retrofitting and product innovation, resulting in immediate cost reductions, enriched product care, as well as improvement in cleaner air emissions across Barbados.

Dave McGregor, VP Asset Management, BL&P, gave the audience a preview of their solar energy plant in St. Lucy. This he highlighted as their way of responding to the changing trends in that industry and the evolving nature of the commercial customer. Both companies are keen to offer consultation to customers whilst maintaining a high quality service delivery as critical components of their strategies.

Megapower’s Joanne Edghill brought insight to Barbados’ growing acceptance of electric vehicles, and how they could assist in omitting emissions which affect the environment. Moving from just 1 electric car in 2013 to 160 in 2016, Barbados now boasts of having the highest per capita penetration of charging ports in the region.

In his opening remarks Senior Vice President, BCCI – Edward Clarke stated that, “The continued push of the ‘One Plan’ for renewable energy development in the private sector has been gaining traction as we have an inclusive, focused and motivated team of champions from the BCCI, other private sector associations and Government, working on expansion in this critical and growing industry.

He went on to say that, ‘Renewable energy and energy efficiency will form a greater part of our national attention as we seek to reduce costs in business, improve climatic impacts and fit into global strategies, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Clarke concluded that, “In reviewing all of the competitiveness indices, both regionally and globally, security is not often a measured component but it weighs heavily in the consideration of many investors and we truly cannot afford to lose what has been a hallmark of Barbadian stability.”  

This session is just one of the many informative sessions to be hosted by the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry as they seek to address and bring awareness to topical issues affecting the business community of Barbados.