Shadow Minister for Energy, Michael Fahy has questioned why Government has not published a consultation paper on energy claiming it was due last November.

He also backed a call from sustainability group Greenrock for an independent energy authority to oversee power generation in Bermuda.

Senator Fahy said: "We in the United Bermuda Party support in principle the idea of an independent energy authority as proposed by Greenrock.

"The questions and issues surrounding our energy future have island-wide implications, affecting every household and business; and the concept of an independent body that can bridge consumer, commercial and 'national' interests is worth close study.

"We believe an independent authority working to the specific mandate of expanding Bermuda's energy options can help move the island toward a more sustainable, more affordable energy future."

Sen. Fahy criticised Government claiming it did not show leadership on energy initiatives put forward in last year's Throne Speech. He also challenged Government to utilise its available resources to address immediate issues such recycling programmes and solar powered roadside lighting.

He said: "Despite the formation of an Energy Ministry, the Government has not shown the leadership, the will, the incentive or the innovative mindset to move the Island forward on this fundamental issue.

"Planning our energy future is vitally important. Our fossil-fuel based economy is not the future, so it behoves us to explore and consider the most realistic options for a stable, efficient and affordable energy future.

"There are many issues that can be immediately addressed in terms of alternative energy such as solar powered roadside lighting, increased recycling programmes, land tax reductions on properties using solar or photovoltaic energy generating systems and the elimination of duty on energy saving products."

He added: "The United Bermuda Party is keenly awaiting the publication of the Green Paper on Energy which has already been delayed for a few months.

"We also await publication of the full complement of consultation documents offered to Government by groups in preparation of the Green Paper, which were supposed to have been published online some time ago."

Addressing Government's responsibility in keeping the public informed, he said: "It is important the community is made aware on an ongoing basis of energy proposals put before the government.

"Public consultation and education will be integral to the success of any change to our energy future.

"The United Bermuda Party recognises the importance of alternative energy and hopes that any plans for renewable energy sources will be incorporated into a fully operational sustainable development plan, which appears to have been ignored for the last number of years."