ELECTRICITY BILL, 2024
PART II – NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND ELECTRICITY
SECTOR POLICY OBJECTIVES
5. National energy policy.
(1) The Minister, in consultation with URCA, shall cause the national energy
policy to be revised within one year of the coming into force of this Act,
setting out the strategic aims of the Government for meeting the electricity
sector policy objectives including, but not limited to —
(a) the priorities for diversification, competition and sector regulation;
(b) the Government's formulation of its role in the electricity sector;
(c) plans for the efficient use and supply of safe, least cost, reliable and
environmentally sustainable electricity; and
(d) aspects of social policy, including the scope of universal service and
the protection of vulnerable customers.
(2) The national energy policy shall be revised every five years.
(3) The Minister shall at least six months prior to the expiration of any
national energy policy, formulate and publish a draft of the revised
national energy policy for public consultation that may be conducted by
URCA in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(4) The national energy policy, and every revision thereof, shall be published
in the Gazette and have effect from the date of such publication.
6. Electricity sector policy and objectives.
(1) The main goal and objective of the electricity sector policy shall be the
creation of a regime for the supply of safe, least cost, reliable and
environmentally sustainable electricity throughout The Bahamas.
(2) The principles and objectives governing the sector policy and electricity
supply regime, in accordance with the aims and goals of the national
energy policy, shall be the —
(a) provision of safe, least cost electricity supplies to all consumers;
(b) advancement of The Bahamas' economic growth and development
and international competitiveness;
(c) enhancement of the energy security of The Bahamas;
(d) encouragement of competition in the generation of electricity;
(e) introduction of a structure for the sector that is overseen by an
independent regulator;
(f) employment of practices and technology that are designed to
protect the natural environment of The Bahamas;
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