Connect with us

Local

Renewable Energy Policy for Householders in Operation

HOUSEHOLDERS TO BENEFIT

The Householders’ Right to Renewable Energy Policy (RTRE) is now in operation, and persons installing domestic renewable energy systems up to 10 kilowatts (kW) will no longer have to apply for a licence.

Chief Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Officer in the Ministry of Energy and Business, William Hinds, made this disclosure today, as he addressed a press briefing about the RTRE Policy, at the Energy Division.  He said the rollout of the policy means that householders will also now have space reserved on the electric grid for their renewable energy (RE) system, until they are ready to invest.

Mr. Hinds continued: “The Right to Renewable Energy Policy allows all householders who wish to install a renewable energy system on their property to have an almost instantaneous acceptance of their request, rather than having to go through the longer licensing process, where approval of the application is not guaranteed.  The policy simplifies the process for householders to be connected to the grid.

“The purpose of the policy is to ensure that every householder can benefit financially by investing in the renewable energy sector.  The benefits include reduced electricity bills and the potential for householders to earn revenue from the system installed, if their output is greater than usage.”

In this year’s Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley outlined a policy to, among other things, give every Barbadian household the right to own and install RE systems up to a maximum of 10 kW, without the requirement for a Generation Licence under the Electric Light and Power Act (ELPA).

Previously, renewable energy systems of 5kW and above were required to have a licence under the ELPA.  This licence attracted an application and licence fee that had to be paid by the householder.

The Right to Renewable Energy Policy raises this threshold to system sizes up to 10kW.  Persons who have a renewable system on their house may expand it up to a total capacity of 10kW, without the need for a licence.

Mr. Hinds disclosed that the Ministry of Energy and Business has developed an online portal for domestic renewable energy systems up to 10kW.  The Right to Renewable Energy Online Portal is accessible through the Ministry’s website – www.energy.gov.bb – or via the link https://apps.energy.gov.bb/re4me/.

“This is a fully online and immediate registration process, and householders will receive their certificate within minutes of applying,” the Chief Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Officer stated.

The Government Electrical Engineering Department has provided free pre-approved single line design drawings for renewable energy systems for householders. These designs are available on the Right to Renewable Energy Online Portal, or they may be downloaded from the Ministry’s website.  Persons may also use their own designs.

 To register on the portal, householders are required to provide the following information:

  1. Contact information – name, address, phone, email address;
  2. The Barbados Light and Power account and meter numbers, as shown on the electricity bill, to which the renewable energy system will be connected;
  3. Barbados National Registration number or passport number;
  4. Roof size in square feet, if the system will be mounted on the roof;
  5. The type and size of the renewable energy system, for example, 2.5kW solar.

On completion of the online registration form, a verification code will be sent to the email address provided, which the applicant must enter when prompted, and then the registration certificate will be immediately sent.  (PR/GIS)

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Local

Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio. 

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Continue Reading

Local

Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities. 

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)

Continue Reading

Local

Barbadians Continue To Benefit From UNESCO Training In Cuba

Barbadians continue to benefit from UNESCO training courses in Cuba, despite the country experiencing an island-wide blackout from Friday, October 18.

Three Barbadians are currently in Cuba participating in the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub of the UNESCO Programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, which was organised by the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, and funded by the European Union.

Historian and Genealogical Researcher, Stacia Martindale, is participating in the course Designing Small Businesses in Heritage Tourism Destinations, while Landscape Architectural Technician, Kodi Husbands, and Assistant Coordinator and Researcher of the Barbados National Register of Historic Places, Rhianna Smith, are participating in the course Introduction to the Management of Integrated Development of Historic Centers.

They shared their experiences of being in Cuba and about the courses they are studying.

Ms. Martindale said: “So far, the experience has been very amazing. I’ve been loving the culture of Cuba and the general experience in class.

It’s really been exciting for me. It’s my first time in Cuba. I think I know quite a bit about Cuba just because I’m really interested in History. I’m actually a History teacher, so to come here, where that history has happened, is really, really exciting for me.”

Mr. Husbands, who is on his second visit to Cuba, shared that the first time he visited was on a vacation. “It really resonated with me. I got to understand the culture a lot more [and] I was able to identify with the people after speaking to them about their experiences and how they live. That’s what inspired me to continue working in sustainable architecture and design, and cater for society and the people, rather than doing it for money.

“So far, I’ve found different methods or techniques and practices which can be useful for back home in my field of architecture. And different ways I can further develop my country, whether it’s towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, or Oistins. Or even smaller communities like in the East Coast, or in St. George or more rural areas as well,” he remarked.

It is also the second time for Ms. Smith, who previously benefitted from a course in June, this year, at the prestigious International Film and Television School of San Antonio de Los Baños, on the outskirts of Havana.

“This experience has been a lot different compared to when I was in San Antonio. Havana is a lot more active and has a lot more to see. And so, I’ve been able to immerse in the culture in ways that I was not able to the first time around,” Ms. Smith said.

She added: “We have been having some tours where we have been seeing examples of not only the restoration of historic sites and buildings, but also the repurposing of those buildings for uses that really fit the community.  For instance, earlier this week we visited a daycare. But it was a day care for the elderly which doubles as a day care for babies, and so on. 

“And so, what they are trying to do is to integrate those two generations and, of course, develop a consciousness of caring for the elderly. Things like that have led me to conclude that it’s been nothing short of inspiring so far, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where things go.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Rhianna Smith, Barbados’ Ambassador to Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall; UNESCO Director Anne Lemaistre; Stacia Martindale; and Kodi Husbands pose for a photograph

Continue Reading

Trending

© 2022 Advomag. All rights reserved.