FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2026

Nassau, Bahamas — Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited (BPL) is proud to co-host the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition alongside the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) from October 18 – 22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel, bringing together 120 delegates from across the Caribbean under the theme, “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition.”

The opening ceremony took place on Sunday, October 18, and featured keynote speaker the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation. During her remarks, Minister Hon. Coleby-Davis urged regional leaders to move from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, outlining three central messages for the Caribbean’s energy transition: energy is an economic and security priority; technology alone will not deliver the transition, rather institutions and leadership will; and natural gas is a bridge, not a destination.

Highlighting The Bahamas’ New Energy Era, Minister Hon. Coleby-Davis pointed to planned solar generation, battery storage, modernised networks and hybrid microgrid projects supporting the national goal of having 30 percent of the country’s energy generation be renewable energy by 2030. She stressed that progress must ultimately be reflected in better service for households and businesses, before presenting delegates with a choice to travel down two different roads.

“One road keeps us exposed: importing more fuel at prices we do not set, waiting for perfect conditions, and leaving each island to face the storm alone. The other is the road of deliberate transition: diversified supply, modern networks, strong institutions and shared learning, with gas as a bridge and renewable energy as the destination.” She continued, “ Only one of those roads leads to the future our people deserve. In The Bahamas, we have chosen. I invite you to choose it with us. Forward, upward, onward, together. And the sun is rising on a new era for the Caribbean. So let us rise to meet it.”

Echoing the Minister’s emphasis on implementation, BPL Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Toni Pratt highlighted the company’s work to expand renewable generation through independent power producers and the importance of partnerships that deliver meaningful improvements for consumers.

“We recognize that the energy transition is not something any one utility can accomplish alone. It requires sound policy, strategic planning, responsible investment, the right partnerships, and a willingness to embrace new approaches while remaining focused on the people we serve. Because at the end of the day it is about delivering reliable, affordable, and resilient power to our communities,” Mrs. Pratt said.

That focus on practical delivery was reinforced by GBPC Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Nikita Mullings, who identified affordability, reliability and resilience as essential priorities for utilities navigating the transition.

“We need clear regulatory frameworks, coordinated national plans, financeable projects, and strong partnerships among governments, regulators, utilities, and investors. The energy transition is not just a technology challenge. It is a financing challenge, an execution challenge, and ultimately, a leadership challenge. Are we up to the challenge? No island needs to solve every challenge alone,” Mrs. Mullings said.

Building on that call for regional cooperation, CARILEC Chairman Mr. Wayne Caines urged delegates to turn the week’s discussions into concrete plans, measurable actions and greater accountability. Reflecting on the region’s collective response to Hurricane Melissa, he emphasised that resilience must be built into utility operations before disaster strikes.

“We cannot simply prepare for restoration after the disaster. We must prepare our systems way before the disaster strikes,” Mr. Caines said. “Resilience cannot just be a slogan used after a hurricane. It must be embedded in how we plan, how we invest, how we operate, and how we lead.”

As the New Energy Era progresses, BPL remains committed to working with its regional partners to turn shared knowledge into practical improvements, strengthen the resilience of its electricity system, and advance a cleaner energy future that delivers more reliable and affordable power for the communities it serves.