Minister To Take Part In COP28 Discussion
Tomorrow [Dec 8], Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban will participate in a United Nations’ COP28 Ministerial panel discussion.
A Government spokesperson said, “On the frontline: how are the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies getting to net zero, adapting to and dealing with the impacts of climate change?
“Taking place from 8.45am tp 9.45am [12.45 am Bermuda time], this discussion will showcase the impact of climate change on small island territories; the progress they’re making; the lessons learned; and the challenges faced in meeting net zero. The public can tune into the panel discussion here.
“The panel discussion will be chaired by UK Minister Graham Stuart, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Prior to that Minister Stuart was the Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
“Minister Roban will join fellow panelists:
- Matt Toombs Director International Climate Finance and Strategy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Deputy Kristina Moore Chief Minister, Jersey.
- Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez Minister for the Environment and Infrastructure, Guernsey.
- Professor John Cortes Minister for Education, the Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change, Heritage, Technical Services and Transport, His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar [HMGoG].
“The public will be aware that Premier David Burt and the Deputy Premier travelled to the UAE for the United Nations COP28 – the most important environmental global gathering of the year. The Premier also participated in regional economic events while in Dubai.
“Premier Burt returns to Bermuda today, while the Deputy Premier returns to the island on December 10.”
Allow vast acres of land to be used by an overseas company to generate solar electricity. Our electric bills go up.
Allow cuts in rates used to reimburse solar power generation, our bills go up.
Talk about demanding a decrease re Fuel adjustment, our bills go up.
Bermuda is using more electricity than it has in its entire existence. The increase in use of Electric cars, scooters, auxilery vehicles, twizzy, jeep things china cars, Government buses being charged, smart phones, phones, alexa, ipads, laptops, computers, gadgets multiple TV’s, airconditioners, Everything has to be plugged in. Belco must be lapping it up.
Most home solar panels do not use batteries as the batteries are/were too expensive, so Belco get cheap electricity.
It’s time we heard some truths. Reading the minutes from a recent meeting it sounds like government was asking for Belco and RA to make a gesture to make the PLP look good, rather than work to drive a tangible benefit for Bermudians.
We already know the honorable Minister cannot define “climate change.”
However, will the honorable Minister EVER speak about the economically oppressive cost to Bermudians of going green?
If the wind farm gets built, our sky-high electric bills will force people to choose between electricity or food to feed the family. Just remember, neither Greenrock nor the RA will release any spreadsheets showing how numbers were calculated. Huge red flag. Neither will provide the Estimated Consumer kWh Rate (ECkR) cost range that will be delivered to consumers and businesses by BECLO purchasing wind-generated electricity. Huge red flag.
A sampling of basic costs of going to EVs that are never discussed:
Roads
Our roads must be upgraded to handle the extra weight of EVs. Using 140 miles of paved public roads, estimating 50% of main/major roads is 70 miles. Using $750,000 to $1,000,000 per mile today comes out as $52.5 to $70 MILLION! With inflation, when electric vehicles are mandated your children, grandchildren, and your grandchildren’s children will be sending their paychecks directly to Government.
Fuel Taxes
Government has not stated how it will make up for the MILLIONS of dollars lost in gasoline and diesel fuel tax revenue by switching to electric vehicles. The Ministry of Transport believes that the decision falls to the Ministry of Finance. Seriously? Your plan Transport, own it!
Public Safety
Bermuda Fire & Rescue Services is not equipped and not trained to put out an EV fire of any size. The cost to train and add new equipment is never discussed. The cost to clean up environmental damage from toxic runoff getting into the groundwater and the ocean is never mentioned. What is the cost to properly train and equip Fire & Rescue? What is the cost of standard equipment to contain and clean up the water runoff from putting out an EV fire? Will EV owners be charged thousands of dollars ($10,000+) by Fire & Rescue for putting out an EV fire?
Charging
Electric Surcharge
Government and RMI never mention the additional lost energy required to recharge an EV battery. 12% to 15% of energy is lost for various reasons during recharging but you are paying for that energy. Imagine the consumer outrage if a gas or diesel pump added a 12% to 15% surcharge on every purchase of fuel.
Infrastructure
- Public. Government has not stated the cost and who will pay for a public EV charging infrastructure.
- Private.
a. Government has not stated the cost of upgrading BELCO’s electric grid to handle EV charging at home. Said cost is passed to consumers.
b. Most homes and apartments do not have garages or covered parking. RMI erroneously claims we can plug the EV into a 120-volt home outlet (Level 1 slow charging) and recharge nightly like a cellphone. A Level 2 fast charger installed outdoors would cost $3,000 to $4,000 or higher in Bermuda. It is also not advisable to recharge when raining or near saltwater spray. Government has not stated the cost of upgrading to home charging. Who will pay for the infrastructure for upgrading apartment parking lots with chargers?
Insurance
Insuring an EV is significantly higher than an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle. Is Government going to subsidize EV insurance?
Repairs
Repairs to EVs from accidents are more expensive than an ICE, assuming the EV is repairable. Availability of parts is another story.
Bottom line: Demand that Government stop this EV madness.
Where’s my light bulb Ernie ?????