Clarity is being sought over the legality of pausing a planning process to determine Bermuda’s future electricity needs.

Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, said in the House of Assembly on Friday that the Integrated Resource Plan was paused.

Dwayne Robinson, the shadow home affairs minister, asked questions today, noting that the latest plan was approved and made public on the Regulatory Authority’s website on July 3 — three days before the suspension.

The IRP is described on the Regulatory Authority’s website as Bermuda’s strategic tool for ensuring a reliable, cost-effective and sustainable electricity supply.

Updated at least every five years, it seeks to achieve a practical long-term plan for the electricity system.

Mr Robinson said: “During the last House of Assembly question-and-answer period, I asked the Minister of Home Affairs if she was aware that the Integrated Resource Plan 2026 had been approved by the Regulatory Authority and published on their website.

“She responded that the ministry was unaware.

“This is a major oversight and potential breach of legality.

“The Electricity Amendment Act 2026 grants the minister the authority to pause an IRP when in the planning phase, before it becomes a finalised IRP.

“How was a pause of the IRP put into motion after it had been finalised since July 3, 2026, and made available to the public?”

Mr Robinson added: “The minister has made it clear that the reason for the pause was to implement their agenda and National Electricity Sector Policy 2026 objectives into the IRP 2026. That appears to be impossible now.

“The Government has been unable to provide a concrete direction on energy with a change in policy concerning renewable energy targets, an unfinalised National Electricity Sector Policy 2026 and a ministerial directive to the Regulatory Authority for billing transparency from Belco, which has led to solar users feeling betrayed based on Government’s previous encouragement of the solar transition.

“Meanwhile, throughout all this, Bermudians remain unsure about our island’s energy future and their bills continue to increase.”

Mr Robinson said in the House on Friday: “The IRP 2026 is currently published up on the Regulatory Authority’s website … from July 3.

“Is there currently a breach, then, of the current policy, as the pause can only go into effect on an IRP that is in planning and not one that is finalised?”

Ms Lightbourne replied then: “I will invite further clarity from the technical team and I will let the honourable member know.”

Mr Robinson called on the minister today to clarify the legality of pausing the IRP and asked what the Government’s next steps would be.

Belco sought clarity on the matter last week.

The electricity distributor said on Friday: “The Integrated Resource Plan was approved and made public on the Regulatory Authority's website on July 3.

“The subsequent suspension order, which became operative after that approval, creates uncertainty about the legal and practical effect of suspending a process that had already reached approval and publication.

“Belco is therefore seeking clear confirmation from the RA on where the approved and current IRP now stands.

“Customers, investors and stakeholders deserve one clear and accurate explanation of the IRP's current status and next steps.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been asked for comment.