Residents have launched a protest working group to look at alternatives to Belco's proposed expansion.

The residents, mainly from Pembroke, yesterday announced the formation of the Bermuda Energy Alternatives Taskforce (BEAT) to examine alternative energy sources.

It comes two days after Energy Minister Terry Lister pledged to consult the public and "all environmental groups" to produce a Green Paper for a national energy policy.

BEAT has now called on Government to defer a decision on Belco's Planning application until after the Green Paper goes before "Parliament and the People".

The residents are fighting plans by Belco to construct two new power stations at its Serpentine Road plant. They say they are already exposed to excessive noise, vibration, soot and odours, and that another two generators and three smoke stacks will only further decrease their quality of life.

Belco wants to build the power stations in an eight-phase development over 23 years. The proposed North and South Power Stations will bring another three emissions stacks to the skyline. If the first phase of the Planning application is approved, construction on the $200-million project will start next summer.

The energy company says that due to a projected 1.5 percent annual increase in the demand for electricity on the Island, it must meet a deadline of providing another 28 megawatts by 2011.

Belco spokeswoman Linda Smith has pointed out that the company has explored alternative locations for the power stations, such as Morgan's Point, and that "discussions are continuing" on possibilities for Dockyard and Tyne's Bay.

In the interim however, due to the pressing need to meet the 2011 deadline, Belco has had to proceed with its Planning application for a new generator.

Yesterday, BEAT said its mission was to "prevent further noise, odour, heat, soil, air and water pollution from energy generation within Pembroke".

Spokeswoman Denise Riviere said: "BEAT is concerned that even more Island residents will be exposed to increased pollution if Belco's proposal proceeds to build additional and taller stacks but without emissions controls. BEAT wants emissions controls so that even more residents will not be burdened with what Pembroke residents live with daily.

"Further, BEAT's objective is to ensure that the proposed new energy expansion is decentralised, a point supported by Belco. BEAT believes the burden and risk of having all of the Island's generating capacity in one location is unacceptable.

"BEAT believes that Bermuda must dedicate significant effort to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel technology. Alternative energy sources are being successfully deployed in many parts of the world, including other islands and remote off-grid communities. Bermuda should also enjoy the environmental benefits of renewable-resource power generation, with automatic back-up diesel generation to provide continuous and seamless electrical power, with the minimum importation of fossil fuels."

She said: "We welcome Energy Minister Mr. Lister's announcement on Monday, and would hope that, along with an invitation for our contribution to Bermuda's energy policy, any decision on Belco's expansion plans will be deferred until after the Green Paper has been presented to Parliament and the People.

"BEAT believes that the Bermuda public must have access to alternative answers about our energy future presented by experts who are financially independent of the proposed developer. Where we can, we will assist in locating people and organisations who can provide our community with the insight we need to tackle our fossil fuel dependency.

"BEAT is committed to working with Government and Belco in seeking a win-win solution for all."

On Monday Mr. Lister said he wanted to see a Green Paper on a national energy policy "within a year". He claimed Government would work with Belco in finding alternatives to fossil fuel energy, by experimenting with combinations of traditional and renewable sources, such as wind turbines, solar and Photovoltaic (PV) panels.

The Department of Energy will also work with other Government departments, consultants, sustainable development groups and the community in forging the way forward.

Editorial: Page 4