🌞 Cayman Islands' National Energy Policy receives support from CUC and CREA

The Cayman Renewable Energy Association (CREA) and the Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) have expressed their support for the Cayman Islands' new National Energy Policy. The policy aims to transition the country to a 100% renewable energy supply by 2025. Despite only 3% of the local power currently being sourced from green energy, both entities have committed to playing a significant role in this challenging transition, which is expected to be predominantly solar. 🌍

CUC, which owns the grid and supplies 97% of all power generated, has stated that the policy contains many positive objectives and goals that will aid the Cayman Islands in reducing carbon emissions. The company also anticipates significant cost savings for customers. Meanwhile, CREA President James Whittaker commended the government and contributors on the policy, stating that it represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy future for the Cayman Islands. However, achieving the 100% renewable goal will require more widespread adoption of rooftop solar across Grand Cayman and the development of a solar farm. 🏠

Despite the support, disagreements persist between CUC and CREA, primarily over CUC's focus on utility solar at the expense of rooftop solar. CUC has been accused of limiting access to the grid for domestic renewable generation from wind and solar. In response, CUC has blamed CREA for continually opposing its transition to solar by advocating for open competition and higher rates for those using feedback programmes. Regardless of these disputes, the race is on to generate over 60% of Cayman's growing energy demand from solar. 🌅