BEST & Greenrock To Hold Solar Charge Protest
The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce [BEST] and Greenrock are “calling on all Bermudians to join a peaceful public demonstration on Tuesday, July 28, at 12:00 noon to protest the Regulatory Authority’s approval of increased monthly facilities charges that triple the cost for residential solar customers.”
A spokesperson said, “The event will begin at City Hall, Hamilton, and proceed to the Regulatory Authority offices, where participants will call for an immediate review of a policy that threatens Bermuda’s renewable energy future.
“The new BELCO facilities charge places a significant additional monthly cost on homeowners who invested in rooftop solar after years of being encouraged by successive governments to reduce Bermuda’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The organisations say the policy unfairly penalises families who made substantial personal investments in clean energy while undermining Bermuda’s stated commitment to sustainability.”
“The Regulatory Authority’s decision sends exactly the wrong message,” said representatives of BEST and Greenrock. “Instead of rewarding Bermudians who invested in renewable energy, it makes solar a far less attractive investment. Some homeowners are now discovering that their monthly electricity bills could actually be higher than they were before they installed solar panels.”
The spokesperson said, “BEST and Greenrock argue that the new charge applies a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that fails to distinguish between customers who make very different levels of use of the electricity grid. Homeowners with small rooftop systems that export very little electricity are charged the same facilities fee as those with much larger systems.”
“If charges are intended to reflect the cost of using the grid, then they should reflect actual grid usage,” the organisations said. “Customers who have invested in reducing demand on the grid should not be penalised simply because they chose to install solar.”
The spokesperson said, “The organisations also warn that the policy will have consequences far beyond individual electricity bills. By reducing the financial benefits of rooftop solar, Bermuda risks discouraging future investment in renewable energy, slowing progress toward national climate goals, and increasing long-term reliance on imported fossil fuels.”
“This policy risks locking Bermuda into decades of continued dependence on imported oil and exposing residents to the price volatility of international fuel markets. Every rooftop solar installation reduces fuel imports, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality, and strengthens Bermuda’s energy security.”
The spokesperson said, “BEST and Greenrock also highlighted the economic impact of the decision. Investment in rooftop solar supports local electricians, engineers, installers, and small businesses. Discouraging new solar installations threatens jobs, reduces local investment, and shifts more of Bermuda’s energy spending overseas through imported fuel purchases.
“The organisations are calling on the Regulatory Authority to review the facilities charge and adopt a more equitable approach that reflects actual grid usage while recognising the environmental and economic benefits that distributed renewable energy provides to Bermuda.
“Members of the public, environmental organisations, businesses, solar customers, and anyone concerned about Bermuda’s energy future are encouraged to attend.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
- Time: 12:00 p.m.
- Assembly Point: City Hall, Hamilton
- Destination: Regulatory Authority Offices
“BEST and Greenrock believe Bermuda’s energy policies should encourage innovation, reward responsible investment, and accelerate the transition to clean, affordable energy—not discourage the very people who answered the call to help build a more sustainable Bermuda.”
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