Residents are to be surveyed on their electricity usage in order to plan an energy strategy for Bermuda.

Belco announced the customer survey this morning, in which participants have the chance of winning a $250 electricity credit.

Executive Vice President Andrew Parsons said: “In order to accurately plan for the future, we need to understand people’s priorities, preferences and intentions, to try to project what customers are likely to do, and what is likely to be supported by Government policy and processes.

“This information is important in determining what we will need to do in terms of development of plant and programs to ensure our continued ability to meet all customers’ energy requirements, all of the time.”

The new diesel power station however, will still be going ahead at the company’s central Pembroke plant.

“Even with 20 percent renewable energy, we would still need to get 80 percent of our energy from traditional, fossil fuel plant,” said Mr. Parsons.

* For the full story, see tomorrow’s The Royal Gazette.

* If so-called green energy - like solar panels - was cheaper, would you install them? Email news@royalgazette.bm with your views.