Page 9 - CARILEC CE Industry Journal_Oct_2019

A New Era for

Energy Utilities

- Catherine Morris

The Caribbean’s utility landscape is shifting rapidly, and then we have no clue how to meet those targets. We
especially for the region’s energy suppliers who are believe that decisions should be more evidence based and
feeling the pressure from environmental concerns, data driven as opposed to simply philosophical positions.”
juggling new innovations and incorporating emerging
tech. With a new era and new challenges, industry body According to the CARILEC head, the answer lies in
CARILEC is launching a strategic plan focused on Integrated Resilient Resource Planning such as that seen
cooperation and partnership that aims to transform the in devising Saint Lucia’s National Energy Transition
sector in a measured, responsive and realistic way. Strategy (NETS), which was drawn up by the government
and LUCELEC with the support of the Rocky Mountain
CARILEC recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and Institute. NETS looks at how much renewable energies
has seen a lot of activity in those three decades. “There can contribute to the national grid and how this hybrid
have been numerous changes in the sector — changes in approach can be managed and maintained. Dr Bertin
technology, legislation, consumer expectations, business, sees it as a template for the region and an example of
marketing and the environment,” says Dr Bertin. “That is how partnerships between stakeholders can result in
what led to this repositioning of CARILEC to better cope solutions that work for all.
with and anticipate these changes.”

Nature has been one of the biggest change-makers with
climate concerns now at the forefront of all policy
discussions in the region. As Caribbean nations look to
reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, the conversation has
turned to renewable energy sources such as solar,
geothermal and tidal, some of which have already been
implemented across the islands. Dr Bertin is bullish on the
prospects of renewable energy to help meet demand but
says it will take time, and every island has its own unique
set of considerations and concerns. “It is a mixed bag.
There are different rates of penetration in terms of
renewables as a result of many factors. Each jurisdiction
has different opportunities. There is a common perception
that because the sun is shining and the wind is blowing we
can switch to renewables tomorrow. It is not that simple.
“Transitioning is like turning a huge tanker in the middle
of the ocean. It takes time. There has been some
reluctance in the past to embrace some of those changes
[but] over the last decade the issues of climate change
and CO2 emissions have put the utilities in a place where
they have no choice but to get on board in terms of
repositioning and pivoting.”

Dr Bertin is also wary of targets set by international bodies
which may not align with realities on the ground. “We CLETUS BERTIN Ph.D, originally from Saint Lucia, currently serving
sometimes have a difficulty when policy makers set targets as Executive Director of CARILEC, is overseeing the industry group’s
almost arbitrarily, sitting in rooms far away from the region, 2018-2022 strategic vision and energy resilience in the Caribbean
CE INDUSTRY Journal 07