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EDITORIAL

ur regional utilities are facing challeng-
ing times. Most of these utilities use
Ofossil fuels to generate electricity and the
rising cost of this fuel type is seriously impacting
on their day to day operations as well as the cost
of producing electricity. Thus, as a result of this
increase in oil prices , the customer is affected;
not only on his monthly electricity bill, but also a
price hike on almost every consumable product in
the market place.
I therefore believe that our member utilities
should collectively aggressively pursue alterna-
tive fuels and feasible forms of renewable energy.
Much effort has been placed in circulating the
ideas of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
CREDP and GTZ among other international
organizations are at the forefront of these efforts
regionally.
It must be realized that the cost of electricity will not be reduced instantly by the introduction of re-
newable energy sources. However, with time we will be able to secure a more cost stable form of elec-
tricity production for the future of all the developing countries in the Caribbean. While our member
utilities continue to pursue feasible alternative energy sources and fuels, diesel generation will still be
around for quite some time. Therefore, this Industry Journal strives to produce articles on every aspect
of the technical operations of its member utilities. We strive to be balanced and hope that our readers
are educated on various aspects of electric utility operations.

Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the contributors of articles from our
membership (Engineers and other Technical Staff alike) and associate organizations for their input and
sponsorship. Without your support the Industry Journal would not be produced.

Once again, thank you!

Lawrence Benjamin
Project Manager and Editor of the Industry Journal
Caribbean Electric Utilities Services Corporation - CARILEC

CARILEC INDUSTRY JOURNAL is a publication of CARILEC - the Association of Electric Utilities.
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Industry Journal 2