Independent Consultant for Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill Consultation

Background:

The Turks and Caicos Islands are committed to advancing sustainable and renewable energy solutions to meet the needs of our growing population and economy while ensuring environmental sustainability. In light of this, the Energy and Utilities Commissioner is seeking to conduct a comprehensive consultation process for the Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill. This process aims to gather input from all stakeholders and formulate strategies to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, particularly within the context of small island nations.

Objective:

The primary objective of this consultancy is to assist the Energy and Utilities Commissioner in conducting an effective consultation process that will inform the development and implementation of the Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill with consideration to reliability, safety, resiliency, affordability, and Environmental Sustainability. The consultant will provide independent expert advice on regulated cost of service utilities regulatory design, models for accelerating the implementation of renewable energy initiatives and facilitation techniques suitable for engaging a wide range of stakeholders.

Scope of Work:

The Independent Consultant will be responsible for:

• Conducting a thorough review of existing energy policies, Ordinances, Regulations, and initiatives in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a focus on identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement of provisions in the Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill.
• Providing expert advice on regulated cost of service utilities regulatory design for small island states, including rate-setting methodologies, financial incentives for renewable energy investments, mechanisms for ensuring affordable access to energy services, climate change initiatives, and consumer protection.
• Assisting the Energy and Utilities Commissioner to facilitate a consultation process that engages a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, the Public Supplier, industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, and this process should ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in any proposed amendments to the Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill.
• Preparing a comprehensive report that summarizes the outcome of the consultation process, including recommendations in respect of amendments to the Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill; outlining and evaluating areas of consensus and areas where consensus was not achieved before being reported to the Government.

Qualifications and Experience:

The Independent Consultant should possess:

• A master’s degree or higher, or having equivalent qualifications through experience in Energy Policy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Economics, Accountancy, or a related field with relevant academic qualification(s).
• At least 15 years of professional experience as an expert in participating in the regulated cost of service utilities regulatory design issues, projects, and hearings, with a strong background in renewable energy policy and planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing models for the acceleration of renewable energy initiatives and usage, particularly within the context of small markets and jurisdictions.
• Proven ability in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultation processes, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A deep understanding of the economic, technical, social, and environmental challenges, opportunities, and transitional risks associated with renewable energy adoption in small markets and jurisdictions.

Duration:

The consultancy is expected to be completed within a period of 3 months from the date of commencement. The Independent consultant is expected to be on island for at least the first two (2) months of the three-month consultancy. The consultant is expected to start and be on the Island within the 1^st week of June, 2024.

Independence: The Independent Consultant shall have no interest in, and have not worked for, in any capacity, for the Government and the Public Suppliers, its local and international companies and affiliates.

Appointment and Reporting:

The Independent Consultant will be appointed by and report directly to the Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Public Safety and Utilities and will liaise directly with the Energy and Utilities Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Regular progress reports are to be submitted on a bi-weekly basis, with a final report presented after the consultation process is completed.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV with their cost proposal, a cover letter detailing their suitability for the assignment, and at least three references from previous consultancy projects of similar scope. All on Island expenses would be paid at cost.

Timeline:

RFP Issuance Date: April 15^th, 2024

Proposal Submission Deadline: May 13^th, 2024 Selection of Consultant: May 20^th , 2024 Project Commencement: June 3^rd , 2024

Evaluation Criteria:

Applications will be evaluated based on the relevance of the candidate’s experience, expertise in renewable energy and regulated utility design, proven track record of facilitating consultation processes, and understanding of the challenges faced by small island nations in transitioning to renewable energy.

Notes:

Turks and Caicos Island Government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

The selected consultant will be required to adhere to confidentiality agreements and any other relevant terms.

Submissions should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For pdf copy of the Terms of Reference (TOR), click here.