Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) issued a press release Monday revealing that the company is beginning in earnest, its grid tying of residential customers with standalone solar and wind generation systems. But at least one customer who supplements his power supply with renewable energy was not completely satisfied with BPL's plans.
BPL said it was ready to fully roll out its Small Scale Renewable Generation (SSRG) program for residential customers in New Providence and the Family Islands by inviting customers to apply for grid interconnection.
BPL and the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) worked tirelessly over many months to create the framework for and implement the first stage of tying-in privately generated energy to BPL's grid.
"As the country's premier utility provider, BPL recognizes the inherent value of allowing its customers greater autonomy in controlling individual energy costs as well as increasing energy availability in the country," BPL's release said.
"The Small Scale Renewable Generation Program serves as an essential first phase in BPL's plan to incorporate renewables in its generation mix, and to serve as a key partner in reducing the country's overall carbon footprint."
However, outspoken renewable energy proponent, Graham Weatherford, whose offices and home are tied into a mixture of wind and solar renewable energy systems, said he is not satisfied with the amount that home owners will be receiving during net metering - when systems send excess power back into BPL's grid. Customers will be paid back the amount of BPL's fuel surcharge per kilowatt hour. However, Weatherford said BPL's customers should also be paid an extra 20 cents as compensation for their generation equipment.
Weatherford also added that he does not want to have to have BPL's digital meter installed in order to be grid-tied. And while BPL will require customers' systems to meet certain specifications, Weatherford insisted that his systems are certainly compliant.
As of yesterday customers in New Providence and the Family Islands were able to apply for grid interconnectivity at any BPL office, according to the company's release. The release also revealed that those customers will be served on a first come, first served basis. The reason for this is because BPL is allowing only a certain amount of megawatts connected to the grid.
BPL's Chief Executive Officer Pamela Hill said in the release: "This is an important milestone for the company, as it actively supports our core objectives of providing reliable energy at affordable rates, improving customer experiences and making greater use of renewables."
"Customers can provide a portion of their own energy while also increasing energy availability on our network. We see this as a win-win for all."

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