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These costs are related to frequency and voltage
management and back-up energy when intermittent
resources are not available. That said, technology is
evolving quickly, e.g., energy storage. Regulators simply
need to create a clear understanding of who bears those
costs and assign the charges appropriately.
To realistically achieve least-cost generation, there needs
to be a framework that factors in all of the components
of generation, integration and grid maintenance for
reliable, stable electric service delivery.

Integrating new technologies on an electric system Grenlec, Grenada
comes at a cost. It’s critical to determine what the
actual, verifiable costs are and how those expenses are CONCLUSION
recovered reasonably to best serve the utility, power
producer, investor, and consumer. The reality is that regulation of the electricity sector in
the Caribbean is an evolving science within a changing
Developers landscape. To determine state-of-the-art energy

Appropriate policy and regulation can level the playing solutions that are right-sized for the region requires
field and allow credible developers to provide viable, policymakers and regulators with both a global vision
sustainable least-cost energy options. Developers can and local knowledge and experience – a combination of
help drive technology, innovation, and financial and skills that is challenging to find anywhere.
engineering models that can bring price certainty and To create an economically viable, predictable energy
energy supply predictability. marketplace, regional regulators must be divorced from
In addition, a well-regulated energy market can lead to political influence; independent of changing administrations
increased workforce development and other social and in order to protect the rights of energy consumers, utilities,
environmental benefits. power producers, developers, and investors.

Utilities Finding capable regulatory boards is a challenge.
However, there is positive movement in the region and an
From a utility perspective, it’s necessary to protect the evolving level of maturity. Organizations such as Caricom,
interests of the company, its shareholders, and Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum, and Carilec are
customers. Diversifying energy portfolios with increased helping governments, utilities, developers and other
renewable energy should be done in a prudent, balanced stakeholders learn from each other and create actionable
manner to maintain long-term reliability, stabilize prices, national energy policies and regulatory frameworks to
and protect the public good by serving all customers establish a path forward for a sustainable energy future.
equitably. Electricity is vital to a nation’s economic
growth and the survival of its citizens. Finally, partnerships between utilities, government, and
power producers, as in St. Lucia and Jamaica, are
Utilities, in collaboration with government and increasing renewable energy generation collaboratively to
policymakers, need to decide how the nation’s best achieve mutual goals for national security, energy
interests are served versus individual interests. affordability, and economic and environmental well-being.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert is a veteran renewable energy executive with more than 25 years of experience
sourcing, developing, and managing infrastructure projects, specifically in Latin America
and the Caribbean. He has developed renewable energy projects, vertically-integrated
utilities, and sustainable infrastructure in Honduras, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Mauritania,
Colombia, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Dominica, Grenada, and the U.S.

Robert Blenker About WRB Energy
President & CEO WRB Energy develops renewable energy projects in the Caribbean and Latin America to
help stabilize electricity prices and reduce dependence on imported fuels to drive
economic growth and sustainability. WRB Energy manages the entire project lifecycle
including site selection, design, permitting, financing, construction, and operation. WRB
Energy developed the 28MW Content Solar plant in Jamaica, one of largest solar projects
in the Caribbean. Learn more at www.wrbenergy.com

+1-813-251-3737 | [email protected] | wrbenergy.com

CE INDUSTRY Journal 11