Minister On Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum
The Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum [CREF] in Miami ”provided a platform to share updates on Bermuda’s clean energy progress, including our proposed Integrated Resource Plan and the successes from the electrification of our public bus fleet,” Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne said.
Speaking in the House of Assembly today [May 9], the Minister said, “As my first overseas engagement as Minister of Home Affairs, CREF offered an invaluable opportunity to represent Bermuda’s interests on the international stage alongside our Caribbean neighbours in joint pursuit of a fairer, cleaner energy future.
“Bermuda’s participation in CREF was grounded in the recognition that our island faces complex barriers to energy equity—from our reliance on imported fossil fuels to the constraints of limited land and aging infrastructure. Through consultation, target-setting, and disciplined execution, we will continue to champion a strategy that modernizes Bermuda’s power sector with the goal of lowering household costs, reducing emissions, and building system resilience.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to inform this Honourable House of the Government of Bermuda’s participation in the 2025 Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum [CREF], which took place from May 7th and concluded today, May 9th, in Miami, Florida. Now in its seventeenth year, CREF continues to be a key event bringing together ministers, regulators, utilities, investors, and international development partners united by a shared commitment to climate resilience and energy affordability.
As my first overseas engagement as Minister of Home Affairs, CREF offered an invaluable opportunity to represent Bermuda’s interests on the international stage alongside our Caribbean neighbours in joint pursuit of a fairer, cleaner energy future.
Mr. Speaker,
Bermuda’s participation in CREF was grounded in the recognition that our island faces complex barriers to energy equity—from our reliance on imported fossil fuels to the constraints of limited land and aging infrastructure. Through consultation, target-setting, and disciplined execution, we will continue to champion a strategy that modernizes Bermuda’s power sector with the goal of lowering household costs, reducing emissions, and building system resilience.
Mr. Speaker,
CREF further provided a platform to share updates on Bermuda’s clean energy progress, including our proposed Integrated Resource Plan and the successes from the electrification of our public bus fleet through the support of Rocky Mountain Institute. While still under regulatory review, this proposed IRP builds on the foundation of the existing IRP and is further informed by technological advancements and critical insights that better inform Bermuda’s prospective energy mix. Upon the completion of the Regulatory Authority’s review process, I look forward to updating this Honourable House.
Mr. Speaker,
While attending CREF, I had the privilege of participating in the Women in Renewable Energy Luncheon and the Ministerial Roundtable entitled “Diverse Pathways to Energy Transition in the Caribbean.” I joined ministerial colleagues from islands large and small to discuss our respective policy approaches, regulatory tools, and investment environments. It was a privilege to share Bermuda’s experience and our ambition to balance affordability with innovation, to integrate public trust through education, and to ensure that our regulatory and legislative environment remains agile enough to accommodate emerging technologies and financing models. This roundtable affirmed that while no two jurisdictions are identical, our region is strongest when we learn from one another and confront shared challenges together.
Mr. Speaker,
I also held a bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom’s Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, Under Secretary McCarthy. During our engagement, Under Secretary McCarthy expressed an interest to better support Bermuda through facilitating greater access to resources to advance our energy agenda.
Mr. Speaker,
As Bermuda continues its work to finalize the proposed IRP through the RA, expand solar deployment, explore the feasibility of innovative technologies, and strengthen community resilience, CREF served as a powerful reminder that we are not navigating this path alone. We are part of a broader movement to redefine energy as a public good, not a luxury; and as a platform to advance equity, not exclusion.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Category: All, Environment, News
Empty words, as usual from a PLP spokesperson, while unhealthy smoke continues to belch out of Belco’s chimneys.
Another useless taxpayer-funded trip. Did the Minister mention that Bermuda has the highest electricity rate in the world? Crickets on that!
Did she mention that the UK’s Net Zero plan is a failure and drove up electricity rates? Green Germany has the 6th highest rate in the world. Subtract #1 Bermuda and #4 Cayman Islands, Germany is #4 in the world. Green UK is #8 in the world, #6 excluding Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
Did the Minister mention the seven or so RMI-recommended Chinese electric buses that were taken off the road for repairs when they got wet?
Did she mention that the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is heavily connected to China, with a large staff in China and a Board member connected to the CCP?
Did she mention Aruba’s failed plan to go 100% renewable by 2020? The plan where RMI did the consulting and never mentioned the failure in RMI’s annual reports.
Did she mention that the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) pushed a debunked study on gas stoves to support banning gas stoves? That a US congressman called RMI out on this?
RMI admits their report does not demonstrate relationship between gas stoves and asthma – American Gas Association Jan 13, 2023
Washington, D.C. – RMI today finally admitted that the paper does not demonstrate a causal relationship between gas stove use and asthma. In a statement, they confirm that the report ‘does not assume or estimate a causal relationship’ between childhood asthma and natural gas stoves. Organizations that are making these allegations are relying on reports that did not test natural gas stoves and have ignored research that found no association between gas stoves and asthma. For an issue as important and personal as children’s health, sound science matters. A 2022 study by GTI Energy, which actually tested gas and electric stoves in a lab showed no difference in their particulate emissions, but it did show what and how you cook matters.”
Republican Congressman exposes China-linked group’s push to ban gas stoves – Newsbreak 2023-02-28
Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga of Michigan has expressed concerns over the Department of Energy’s (DOE) collaboration with a Chinese-linked organization that has been pushing for the ban of gas stoves. Huizenga, who is the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee’s oversight subcommittee, wrote to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressing his concerns, noting that the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) had received “elevated access” from the Biden administration since it took office. RMI has a significant connection with the Chinese government and has been spearheading efforts to ban gas stoves.
Nope, those minor things always get overlooked…….
I can’t believe that this government is still drinking the climate Kool-aid. They are investing in multiple problems later down the road. Falling for this renewable energy bull. Fossil fuel is still the best option. This government just follows the narrative, they are not leaders just followers with no common sense. We are in trouble!