Locals must be trained to deliver renewable energy goals
Bermudians must be trained in renewable energy practices to help to fuel future jobs the Minister of Home Affairs said during an update on the updated National Electricity Sector Policy.
Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, Alexa Lightbourne called the policy “pivotal to the reform of our electricity sector” but said that Bermuda lacked the necessary workforce for the energy transitions required.
She said: “The renewed National Electricity Sector Policy will establish a clear vision for 2045, aiming for a reliable, equitable, affordable and low-carbon electricity system right-sized for Bermuda.”
However, she said the transition was “not only about infrastructure and technology, but also about people”.
“Bermuda does not yet have the workforce pipeline required for the energy transition.
“We lack enough trained electricians, solar installers, energy auditors, battery technicians, grid operators and data specialists. The revised policy signposts our future needs to enable the workforce and supporting sectors to prepare for the complexities.
“Importantly, this policy acknowledges that before we mandate change at scale, it is essential that we equip Bermudians with the skills required.
“This reduces our reliance on external expertise and ensures that the benefits of the transition are retained on-island.
“If we want lower bills and better service, we must prepare Bermudians to build and maintain the new systems that will make both possible.
“The renewed policy will therefore commit to empowering Bermudians through training, upskilling and certification, and to strengthening cross-ministerial coordination, recognising that energy policy intersects with transport, planning, building codes, finance and the public.”
Ms Lightbourne said the policy will ensure that distributed generation protects all households while enabling community solar, co-operative ownership and low-income access to clean energy.
It will establish transparent procurement rules that prioritise renewable bulk generation, diversify sources of supply and encourage local participation.
She added: “The policy will also advance grid modernisation through smart metering and enhanced grid management standards.
“Finally, it will align strategically with our national electric vehicle initiatives, recognising their ability to support tariff stability, improving system efficiency and facilitating greater integration of renewable energy.”
Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, said the Government was continuing work to reduce pressures on the cost of living by building a “culture of collaboration”.
She said: “Affordability is not achieved through one single policy; it requires steady, deliberate action across the systems that influence what people pay every day, whether for food, utilities, telecommunications or the impact of imported goods.”
The first pilot under the Affordability Initiatives is the Digital Currency Pilot, she said, which aims to develop a digital currency incubator to test new technologies aimed at lowering the transaction fees residents and small businesses face.
“Right now, the typical card transaction can cost between 3 and 4 per cent,” she said.
“These fees add up for local vendors and families alike. By testing payment options through Bermuda Monetary Authority-approved systems, and through their success, those same transitions can be processed for a few cents resulting in more savings circulating within our own economy.”
She added that the Grow, Eat, Save gardening programme by the Ministry of Health is being expanded to assess what a national network of parish-based affordability gardens could look like.
“These pilot programmes will run in parallel with the ministry’s work to review and modernise existing legislation that can unlock further relief, including import-related laws and policies.
“The Cost of Living Commission will also play a key role in strengthening consumer education and awareness, providing the public with information on key industries and practical tips to better equip them to be informed and empowered consumers.”
She said the advancements to the policy mark the first comprehensive revision since 2015, with the policy designed to mesh with the Integrated Resource Plan outlining the island’s future energy mix.
She said the Energy Policy Steering Committee serves as the central advisory body to the ministry on the development of Bermuda’s long-term energy strategy.
The committee comprises representatives from government departments, the utility, industry experts and organisations engaged in renewable energy, environmental stewardship and energy sector innovation.
Ms Lightbourne said: “The committee has reviewed Bermuda’s existing energy framework and assessed emerging global trends in renewable technology and grid management.
“It has examined affordability pressures faced by residents and businesses, with a focus on long-term rate stability, and assessed advances in solar energy, battery storage, distributed energy systems and modern grid technologies.
“The committee has also provided guidance on resilience planning, including hurricane readiness and system reliability, and offered advice on Bermuda’s low-carbon transition to ensure that environmental responsibility does not place undue burdens on ratepayers.”
The committee helped in the gathering of information for a national Green Fund, and reviewed a presentation facilitated by the Blue Planet Alliance on possible fund structures, governance models, and international best practices.
Ms Lightbourne told the House the group had analysed Belco’s presentation on the proposed IRP, providing technical and policy feedback, and heard feedback from the Regulatory Authority to ensure alignment on activities.
The ministry intends to finalise the full policy by the end of 2025 and release it for public consultation.
While the policy will not amend existing legislation, it will inform future updates to the Electricity Act 2016 and associated regulations.
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