Colbey-Davis: Reliable affordable energy remains top priority

Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation JoBeth Coleby-Davis has pledged faster public communication and accelerated energy sector reforms following the widespread power outages that affected thousands of homes and businesses across New Providence on Sunday.

Coleby-Davis acknowledged the significant impact the outages had on residents, businesses and essential services, saying she understood the frustration experienced by Bahamians.

According to Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), severe weather and intense lightning activity triggered a major fault at the Blue Hills Power Station, leading to widespread outages and instability across the island's electricity network.

The minister said she remained in close contact with BPL's leadership and technical teams throughout the restoration effort, with her immediate focus on ensuring "every available resource was directed toward restoring power safely and as quickly as possible."

While commending crews who worked around the clock to stabilize the system, Coleby-Davis stressed that restoring electricity must be accompanied by timely and transparent public communication.

"I have made clear to BPL that updates during major service disruptions must be faster, clearer, and more regular," she said.

Addressing growing public concern over the reliability of the country's electricity infrastructure, she said Bahamians are asking important questions about the resilience of the grid and the progress being made to strengthen it.

"These questions deserve answers," she said.

Coleby-Davis highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to modernize the nation's energy sector through investments in electricity generation, transmission, grid stability, renewable energy integration and long-term system resilience.

She said the reforms are aimed at delivering "a more reliable, stable, and affordable electricity system for The Bahamas," while acknowledging that the current network continues to face challenges from high demand, extreme heat, severe weather and aging infrastructure.

The minister also addressed concerns from customers who reported damage to appliances following the outages, revealing that she has asked BPL to provide clear guidance on the process for reporting and reviewing such claims.

Coleby-Davis announced that she will provide a comprehensive update on the government's energy reform agenda during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday at 11 a.m.

"My commitment is to keep the public informed, to answer the questions, and to continue the work required to deliver the energy system the Bahamian people deserve," she said.