News report: Chamber laments increasing costs to local businesses amid power disruptions
- BCCEC
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Published by Youri Kemp, The Nassau Guardian, July 28, 2026
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) is lamenting the increasing costs to businesses amid continuing power outages, and the diminishing reliability of the power supply that businesses have to face.
In a statement to Guardian Business yesterday, Dr. Leo Rolle, executive director of the BCCEC, said: “The BCCEC is deeply concerned about the continued power outages affecting businesses across New Providence and other islands, especially during this past weekend, and the significant economic disruption being caused.
“For many businesses, these outages are far more than an inconvenience; they are resulting in substantial financial losses. Chamber members have reported being forced to close their doors during business hours, turn away customers because electronic payment systems were unavailable, and absorb losses from spoiled inventory due to prolonged interruptions in refrigeration and cold storage.
“Restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, manufacturers, retailers, and service providers have all experienced varying degrees of disruption, with many unable to operate safely or efficiently without a reliable electricity supply.”
Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) has faced notable operational challenges and major power outages across multiple islands this summer, driven by severe weather, grid infrastructure vulnerabilities, and technical faults.
Rolle also said: “In today’s economy, where many consumers rely on credit cards, debit cards, and other electronic forms of payment, prolonged power interruptions often leave businesses unable to process transactions, resulting in lost sales and frustrated customers. These are sales that, in many cases, cannot be recovered.
“The cumulative effect of these outages extends well beyond individual businesses. Lost productivity, interrupted operations, damaged equipment, increased operating costs, and declining consumer confidence place additional strain on an economy already facing significant challenges. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which comprise most businesses in The Bahamas, are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the resources to absorb repeated disruptions.
“Reliable electricity is fundamental to economic growth, tourism, investment, employment, and the delivery of essential services.
“Businesses cannot compete, expand, or serve their customers effectively when they cannot depend on a stable power supply.
“While the BCCEC recognizes the efforts of utility personnel working to restore service under difficult conditions and the government’s thrust towards robust energy reforms, we contend that the frequency and duration of these outages underscore the urgent need for both immediate operational improvements and more adequate contingencies for our electricity infrastructure.”
Rolle added: “The BCCEC calls on the relevant authorities and the electricity provider to provide clear and consistent communication regarding the causes of these outages, the steps being taken to address them, and realistic timelines for improving system reliability. Businesses need timely information to make operational decisions, communicate with customers, and mitigate losses wherever possible.
“We will also continue to engage with our members to document the economic impact of these outages and advocate for practical, long-term solutions. The business community remains committed to working constructively with all stakeholders, to help ensure that The Bahamas has an electricity system capable of meeting the needs of a modern, competitive economy.”
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