Electricity Consultation Extended Until May 21
The public consultation period for the National Electricity Sector Policy has been extended until May 21st.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Hon. Alexa N. H. Lightbourne, JP, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, issued an update on the National Electricity Sector Policy 2026 [NESP] consultation, and the steps taken to broaden public participation in the policy’s development.
“On Thursday April 16, 2026, the Ministry opened the National Electricity Sector Policy 2026 [NESP] for public consultation, pursuant to the Electricity Act 2016, conveying the Government’s policy intent to update Bermuda’s electricity framework for the first time in over a decade, and to anchor the transition in affordability, reliability, and equity.”
Submissions were invited through the Government’s public engagement portal at forum.gov.bm/en/projects/nesp-2026, with an original closing date of 5.00pm, today May 4, 2026.
The spokesperson, “Alongside the consultation, the Ministry signaled that engagement would extend beyond the formal submission window, recognising that durable energy policy requires sustained input from households, industry, civil society, and technical experts.
“Energy technology is evolving rapidly, and the National Electricity Sector Policy is intended to be a living instrument, updated consistently as viable options are presented and as the evidence base develops. Submissions received outside the formal window will be logged for consideration in policy refinement and in the regulatory instruments that follow.
“The Ministry acknowledges the feedback received to date and the requests for additional time. As such, the Ministry has extended the NESP 2026 consultation by two weeks closing on May 21, 2026.
“The Ministry will accept all submissions received during the extended period, and will remain open to policy proposals and technical contributions following the formal close. The Ministry will continue to update the policy as viable options are presented and will provide any additional updates in 6 months, as material evidence supports. It is important for the public to note that decisions on the regulatory framework, and on the specific technologies advanced for Bermuda’s electricity sector, remain with the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda [RA] as the statutory steward of the sector.”
Minister Lightbourne said, “Energy technology is evolving rapidly, and Bermuda’s electricity policy must evolve with it. The Ministry will continue to refine this policy as viable options come forward, while the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda remains the statutory steward of the regulatory framework and the technologies advanced for the sector.”
Read More About
Category: All, News, technology
Late last week, BEST called for the community’s support for an independent energy study for the island. This included a call for the Government to extend the time being made available for public consultation.
Yes, our belief is that we can benefit from increased renewable sources but also there really hasn’t been an independent analysis of our energy system and so this would be an invaluable exercise to identify the facts about what is possible for our energy future.
We are sorry that the government only granted an additional two weeks for the public consultation, given the lack of independent experts on the island. A much missed opportunity. Too bad for Bermuda!
Kim, what are YOUR suggestions? What workable, cost-effective, “renewable” energy ideas do you have? This is not rocket science. Walk everyone through your thought process and calculations. Heads up, a $250 to $400+ MILLION offshore wind farm is not workable and not cost-effective.
Why don’t you champion an independent analysis of our energy system? Give Greenrock a call. (sarcasm)
My LED bulb program idea, submitted years ago, was implemented by the government, and I received no credit. I stepped up with that and other implementable ideas. Time for you to step up. FYI – being on an island, there are a limited number of practical and cost-effective options
Thanking you in advance.
“The Ministry acknowledges the feedback received to date and the requests for additional time”
Translation: the PLP Government has not got the feedback it wants.
Spot on, as always.
But expect the claim of “we received positive feedback for (insert dream).”