News report: Chamber seeks talks with govt, BPL, BGC on power crisis, offers solutions
- BCCEC
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Published by Chester Robards, The Nassau Guardian, August 6, 2026
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) is calling for direct talks with the government, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) on the country’s worsening electricity situation, arguing that the business community has practical ideas to help ease the crisis, but should not be expected to shoulder the burden for failures it did not create.
Chamber Chief Executive Officer Dr. Leo Rolle said businesses are already struggling with high operating costs, taxes and regulatory pressures, making it unreasonable to ask them to reduce electricity consumption without first providing certainty on when reliable power will return.
“Ultimately, the Chamber exists to advocate for businesses,” Rolle said. “Right now, businesses are being asked to reduce consumption because the country’s electricity infrastructure cannot reliably meet demand. That is not a burden they created.”
He added that while the electricity problems have developed over many years, the immediate priority should be for the government, BPL and BGC to present a clear roadmap for restoring dependable service.
“Businesses are already contending with high taxes, rising costs, regulatory burdens, and now lost productivity from rolling blackouts,” Rolle said. “They cannot be expected to absorb the consequences of systemic failures while also carrying the responsibility of solving them.”
The BCCEC is proposing a series of short-term measures that it believes could reduce electricity demand while helping businesses lower operating costs. Among its recommendations are expanded energy-efficiency audits for businesses, grant funding to help smaller companies install solar energy systems or purchase more energy-efficient equipment, licensing standards for solar installers, and increased promotion of the government’s duty-free concessions on energy-efficient imports.
Rolle suggested the Chamber could partner with the government to administer business energy audits and host educational webinars featuring efficiency experts and solar providers.
“We have ideas ourselves,” Rolle said, noting that the BCCEC produced energy-efficiency educational material as far back as 2017.
He said one option worth exploring would be encouraging businesses to install solar-powered air-conditioning systems, given that cooling costs are believed to account for a significant portion of commercial electricity consumption.
Rolle also called for closer collaboration between the business community and energy officials, rather than announcements being made without consultation.
The BCCEC has been urging government officials to meet with the private sector to discuss practical solutions and provide businesses with greater predictability as they navigate ongoing electricity disruptions.
Rolle maintained that businesses are prepared to play a constructive role in addressing the country’s energy challenges, but said any conservation measures must form part of a coordinated plan that includes clear communication, realistic timelines and meaningful government support.