Nassau, Bahamas - Renewable energy programs are quickly becoming the new solution to controlling escalating energy costs on the overburdened public utilities sector.

?The Bahamas Government views it as essential,? said Minister of State for the Environment, the Hon Phenton Neymour. ?We have put initiatives in place to improve energy usage to reduce its negative impact on the economy.?

In 2001, the Bahamas spent approximately $273 million importing petroleum products. In 2007, that figure rose to $802 million and for 2008 it is estimated at $1 billion, Mr Neymour said.

He was addressing the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce?s 2009 Energy Conference at the Sheraton Cable Beach Conference Centre, West Bay Street, November 12.

A panel of speakers from the BEST Commission in the Ministry of the Environment, and Bahamas Electricity Corporation also addressed the government?s National Energy Policy.

Representatives attended from the U S Embassy, including former ambassador to The Bahamas, Ned Seigel.

The Government is seeking feedback on its National Energy Policy Report, a copy of which can be obtained by from the BEST Commission?s website.

Mr Neymour said the Government encourages Bahamians and other residents to give their comments and join the campaign to reduce the negative effect that fossil fuel dependency has placed on the environment.

?I am disappointed that we have not had significant contributions from the general public on that report,? said Mr Neymour.

?I see a number of comments in the press about us not moving ahead, in regards to National Energy Policy and initiatives, but very little input is being provided from the general public.?

The Government is ?eager? to put the National Energy Policy in place and has set a December 2009 deadline for its implementation, he said.

?We have had significant contributions from the IDB regarding the formulation of the policy,? said Mr Neymour. ?They have assisted us with technical co-operations that deal with strengthening the energy sector, reviewing our regulatory framework, and addressing promoting sustainable energy in The Bahamas.

?We are also reviewing our ?waste to energy? program, our national energy efficiency program, and our access to renewable energy potential throughout The Bahamas. We have signed contracts and are proceeding in that direction.?

The Government is taking the energy sector ?very serious? and has granted licenses for the production of bio-diesel in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Abaco.

?We are pleased with the initiatives taken and we expect within a year to see some of the fruits of our labor over the last two years,? said Mr Neymour.