OBA’s Robinson On IRP, Minister, Energy & More
[Updated] “Bermudians need to receive a timeline on when the revised IRP 2026 will be finalized and when they can expect relief regarding their energy bills,” OBA MP Dwayne Robinson said.
Mr Robinson stated, “The National Electricity Sector Policy [NESP] 2026 has charted a course for the future of Bermuda’s energy. However, with the Minister of Home Affairs issuing a suspension of the Integrated Resource Plan [IRP] 2026, the investment window for implementing the objectives of NESP 2026 could be missed.
“With the potential legality challenges of the IRP suspension instituted by the Minister, Bermudians need to receive a timeline on when the revised IRP 2026 will be finalized and when they can expect relief regarding their energy bills.
“Bermudians continue to grapple with substantial electricity costs. The Government has committed to prioritize renewable energy in our resource mix. However solar customers have reported seeing increases of $250 and up on their Belco bills after making a large investment in solar panels, trusting that they were helping the island’s renewable energy goals and securing lower bills for their families. How will the Government renew the public sentiment in solar, when current users are considering removing their solar panels?
“Meanwhile non-solar customers bear the brunt of maintaining the electrical grid and the fluctuations of energy consumption demands, waiting for the promised relief from the PLP government for the last 9 years and beyond.
“Why should Bermudians continue to pay more for Progressive Labour Party indecision and poor leadership in the energy sector? Bermuda’s energy transition to more renewable energy will require a lot of investment. How will we acquire the necessary investment if Government continues to shift its benchmarks and reserves the right to override a finalized IRP process?
“Bermuda needs Belco to invest in utility wide solar to reduce customers’ exposure to external price shocks. Solar energy needs to be more widely accessible, such as plug in solar panels that are being utilized overseas.
“The working population needs to increase so that the costs to maintain the electrical grid can be spread across more people, with less Ministerial interference in the IRP process.
“I am happy to see the Minister’s proposal for the Regulatory Authority to be strengthened to better regulate in the consumers favour and to have more ownership over the IRP planning process. However, if the Minister retains the power to override our independent regulator, the process is not truly independent.”
Update 7.02pm: A PLP spokesperson said, “Mr. Robinson’s statement is rich in outrage but poor in solutions.
“The reality is that the Minister acted to ensure Bermuda gets an energy plan that delivers for consumers, not one that simply locks in costs and limits future opportunities. The Government has been clear that renewable energy remains a priority, alongside reducing electricity costs and strengthening regulatory oversight.
“Bermudians deserve a responsible energy transition, not political soundbites designed to create uncertainty. The focus should be on securing the best outcome for families and businesses, not rushing through a process simply because the Opposition demands it.
“It is also remarkable that Mr. Robinson has found time to lecture the Government on leadership while his own party is dealing with an internal crisis following Robert King’s announcement. Perhaps he should spend less time playing politics with Bermuda’s energy future and more time addressing the serious questions facing the One Bermuda Alliance.
“This Government remains focused on delivering an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy future for Bermuda. The Opposition remains focused on headlines.”
But, but, we have 13 new EVs for Ministers who are saving the planet, and 70+ Chinese electric buses that can now run even when wet. Millions spent by the RA on a $400+ million wind farm foggy vision that the RA will never admit was absurd from the start.
Yes, demand BELCO “invest” in utility wide solar, and naturally, BELCO will eat that cost. (sarcasm) And don’t forget the batteries.
Where are all our environmental groups spending their own money to reduce energy costs? Yes, I made a funny.
I will close with a favorite of mine.
95.8% OF CLIMATE POLICIES ARE POINTLESS BUT COSTLY
In the first major study of its kind, researchers from several European institutions analyzed 1,500 climate policies implemented (between 1998 and 2022) across 41 countries since the turn of the century. ONLY 63 WERE FOUND TO BE EFFECTIVE.
THAT MEANS 1,437 POLICIES (95.8%) WERE FUTILE & FAILED. A meager 4.2% success rate would put most companies or organizations out of business or get someone fired. Such low rates of return are troublesome, but somehow, governments can get away with it. – RealClear Energy, “Most Climate Policies Are Pointless But Costly” by Kristen Walker, September 23, 2024
Observed Results of policies:
Brownouts/blackouts
Child labor for mining
Energy poverty
Environmental damages from mining rare earths
Higher energy bills
Higher food costs
Increased cost of living
Increased housing costs
Inefficient energy infrastructure
Inflation
Loss of agricultural land
Loss of forests
Shortages of resources
Strain on the electric grid
Wasted taxpayer money
Wildlife deaths – birds, bats, whales, dolphins, etc.
Go green!
Dwayne will be the next leader for the new OBA following their loss.