ministerofenergy

For years, the promise has been made for a more reliable power grid, a modern energy system, and an end to the cycle of blackouts that has frustrated residents and businesses for decades.

But this weekend, as Bahamians across New Providence and the Family Islands experienced power outages during some of the hottest season of the year, many Bahamians found themselves asking the same question: After millions of dollars in upgrades and years of promises, why are we still sitting in the dark?

The latest outages came as Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) implemented load shedding on New Providence, citing ongoing work connected to a new transformer installation at the Fire Trail Substation.

BPL said the transformer was installed and energized for load testing. But for residents, the explanation did not change the experience: Homes were without electricity, businesses were disrupted and families tried to stay cool in extreme summer heat.

Energy reform has been one of the major promises of the Davis administration.

The government has pointed to several initiatives: LNG agreements, solar power purchase agreements, infrastructure upgrades and the creation of Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) to manage transmission and distribution assets.

A major part of that plan was a $130 million network upgrade project on New Providence, designed to strengthen the transmission and distribution system.

Officials recently said the project was approximately 95 percent complete.

But if the system is almost upgraded, why is it still so fragile?

Summer is when electricity demand rises, air conditions run longer, businesses rely heavily on consistent power and families, especially elderly residents and toddlers feel the impact of outages more severely.

The government has argued that delays affected the timeline of the upgrades.

Minister of Energy JoBeth Coleby-Davis pointed to the March 21 shooting death of a Pike Electric worker, saying the incident delayed the project by about eight weeks.

She said the original timeline expected completion before the peak summer demand period.

Now, the country is experiencing the consequences of completing major work during a period when the grid is under maximum pressure.

While Nassau often receives the most attention, Family Island residents have continued to battle their own electricity challenges.

Eleuthera and Abaco have experienced repeated outages, including load shedding and equipment failures. For some communities, a blackout is part of daily life.

Residents have waited for promised energy projects, including microgrids and renewable energy solutions, but many are still asking when those changes will actually arrive.

The energy problem in the Bahamas did not begin overnight. Aging infrastructure, high fuel costs, maintenance challenges and system reliability issues have existed for years.

The Davis administration came into office promising energy reform. Now, midway through its term, the public is looking for results. Because when the bill comes, Bahamians pay, and when the power goes out, Bahamians suffer.

When will residents see meaningful progress in power supply?

An unprecedented power outage swept through most of New Providence. The blackout, which began on Thursday night and stretched into the early morning hours, sparked widespread anger and frustration among Bahamians, as lights dipped on and off for hours before some areas were fully restored by daybreak.

Bahamas Power and Light, the state-run utility company, and one of the Bahamas’ troubled entities attributed the outage to “units that ripped offline” as they worked to “bring additional units online…through a major transmission fault on our network.”

The incident has intensified the public’s outcry for reliable services, with many angry customers taking to social media to voice their dismay and demand accountability.

“This is a national disgrace and It’s really discouraging,” Samantha Bauld cried. “I work hard to pay bills. There really shouldn’t be an excuse for my power being interrupted for nearly 5 hrs. And I have a two-year-old in this heat to provide her with some kind of comfort. I’m ready to quit this country.”

Guion Brennen added, “This is absolutely ridiculous. Yall (BPL) has hit rock bottom.”

Brittonee Newry questioned the company’s compensation for appliances that may have been destroyed because of the constant dipping.

“Thirty-plus times. That’s how much my power has been off and on. Don’t act crazy when people come with their destroyed appliances.”

Minister of Energy Jobeth Coleby spoke to reporters today emphasizing that the power system is “stressed and strained” because it is pulling a high volume of voltage and power to generate energy for thousands of homes and businesses.

The combination of the power outage and the extreme heat was a nightmare, though not uncommon. Amid sweltering heat, the power cuts not only caused inconvenience but also raised concerns over the safety and well-being of residents, with some fearing the risk of heat-induced illnesses.

“Bey it too hot for this. Yall gonna cause someone get a heat stroke! Me and my dog sweating.” Greer Deane lamented.

Simone Bain called for another light company because she, like many Bahamians, are not satisfied with the services provided by BPL.

“I am sick and tired of the services BPL gives to the Bahamian people. We need another power company.”

Donnell Knowles demanded that the company modify its energy to solar power.

“Bahamas Power and Light needs to switch to solar as a main method of sustainable energy now. Last night should be the last nain in Big Oil’s pocket,” she said.

“In 2024, we are expected to go back to street lights made from candles or every home invest in 5000 plus generators while still paying large monthly bills for disgusting service all because the country refuses to move ahead for our betterment? …I’m done with talking now. It’s time to fight for this country to get better and remove the incompetence.”