National decisions about Bermuda’s energy mix should not be made in a vacuum when they have “real consequences” for those who pay the bills, the Minister of Home Affairs said today.

Alexa Lightbourne issued a statement after Wayne Caines, the president of Belco, said that the Government’s Electricity Amendment Act granting the minister powers within the Integrated Resource Plan could result in ministerial interference.

The IRP is a blueprint for the island’s energy generation source which is updated every few years.

Legislation that passed in the House of Assembly on Friday will enable the minister to suspend the integrated resource planning process in instances favouring the public interest.

Ms Lightbourne also insisted that the amendments do not weaken the role of the independent Regulatory Authority in the process.

She said: “The IRP remains in place, and technical and engineering decisions remain with those who have the expertise to make them.

“What has changed is the recognition that decisions about Bermuda’s energy future do not exist in a vacuum. They have real consequences for the people who pay the bills.

“When decisions affect every electricity customer, it is reasonable and necessary that the elected government ensures that the broader public interest is considered.

“The people of Bermuda do not elect regulators, they elect a government to safeguard their interests, particularly when essential services are involved.

“These amendments ensure that Bermuda’s energy future is shaped not only by technical considerations but also by an understanding of affordability, reliability and national impact.

“At the same time, the legislation strengthens the long-term planning framework for the electricity sector.

“It places the IRP firmly in the public domain, reinforces the independence of the regulator and opens the process to the wider community, including businesses, households and sectors that depend on reliable power.

“For too long, the structure of the sector has allowed one entity to play multiple roles in shaping and benefiting from the plan. When the body that helps define the plan also brings forward projects for approval, the plan risks losing its purpose as a guiding framework. These reforms address that imbalance and restore transparency and accountability.”

However, Mr Caines made the point that Belco is responsible for planning, constructing, operating and maintaining Bermuda's electricity system, and that its highly trained engineers and energy professionals have the expertise the IRP requires.

He said changing the process was not in the best interest of Bermuda.

Ms Lightbourne reiterated that Bermuda’s goal in 2019 to reach about 85 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035 had not been realised as promised and that it was projected there would be a continued reliance on fossil fuels.

However, she said that overseas jurisdictions had made progress in renewable energy with similar constraints as Bermuda such as isolated grids and high energy costs.

She said that as well as successfully expanding renewable energy, they had increased competition and achieved savings to consumers.

“Bermuda’s path must be tailored to our own realities but these examples demonstrate what can be achieved with the right framework,” Ms Lightbourne said.

“Some will describe these changes as interference. In reality, they introduce transparency where it has been lacking and ensure that decision-making reflects the interests of the public.”

The Government recently slashed the 2019 renewable energy targets in its National Electricity Sector Policy, saying it now expects to produce 93 per cent from fossil fuels in 2030.

Mr Caines said in his statement that the changes to the Electricity Act “introduce the potential for ministerial interference into a process that is meant to stay independent”.

Ms Lightbourne denied that they would, adding: “The amendments are deliberately narrow, applying only in defined circumstances and in the public interest.

“They do not give ministers open-ended control nor do they undermine the regulator’s independence. An energy system must serve everyone who depends on it, and everyone depends on it. Reliability is essential.

“Affordable electricity is essential. A successful transition to cleaner energy is essential. This is why the process must be open, inclusive and accountable. Every stakeholder, from households and small businesses to major industries and community organisations has a role in shaping Bermuda’s energy future.

“One island. One energy system. Built for everyone.

“The plan now belongs to the people of Bermuda. Together, we have the opportunity to build an energy future that protects affordability, strengthens reliability and delivers the transition that our country has long been promised.”

The IRP is open for public consultation with residents able to contribute feedback on submissions. For each proposal received, the RA must hold at least one public consultation.

In September 2025, the RA extended consultation on the IRP by more than two weeks “to ensure that the voices and perspectives of the community are fully captured”.