Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands October 29^th 2024 – Over the past few weeks, Commissioner Delano R. Arthur of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ (TCI) Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) hosted a series of public engagement sessions to inform and engage TCI residents, and enable the delivery of a well-considered and informed Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill (RE Bill).

“Since early October, we have been meeting with residents and business owners across the country and have been pleased to see the level of engagement in the proposed RE Bill,” said Commissioner Arthur. “Let me state unequivocally – we are hearing you! Whether in person at a community session, in writing, or through your input on our RE Bill survey, we are hearing your concerns and questions, your ideas, and your requests for fairness, inclusivity, and clarity in the proposed legislation. The input you are sharing is thoughtful, relevant, and extremely valuable to helping us deliver a next draft of the RE Bill that is clear, comprehensive, and fair and that will serve the residents and businesses of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the long term.”

The EUD team also met with TCI’s renewable energy developers and general and licensed electrical contractors at an industry session on October 18th, and consultation sessions with the public electric utility on the proposed legislation are ongoing. Further, to ensure direct input from as many TCI residents as possible, the Commissioner hopes to meet with residents of Salt Cay as soon as possible.

During his public consultation sessions, Dr. Eric Salamanca, Energy Analyst, accompanied Commissioner Arthur. “I was pleased to see the high level of public awareness of the RE Bill, and of renewable energy in general and of its importance to the future of our country,” Dr. Salamanca shared. “Through stakeholder consultations, we are gaining an understanding of the work to be done on the proposed Bill to ensure it can guide us in meeting our goals of reduced reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels and protection from the volatility of global oil prices, stabilized energy prices, environmental protection and long-term reduction in energy costs. We will ensure the views, concerns, and inputs of stakeholders across the country are considered as we write the final legislation.”

Commissioner Arthur encouraged the public to continue to provide feedback on the proposed RE Bill through the end of the consultation period. “We urge all residents who haven’t done so to share their perspectives on the proposed renewable energy legislation in writing and through our brief survey. Every voice matters, and we are hearing you and valuing every contribution.”

TCI residents, who have until November 4^th, 2024 to provide feedback, may access the RE Bill and a summary backgrounder on the EUD’s website at https://www.gov.tc/eud/. Written feedback is welcomed via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additionally, the RE Bill survey may be found at tinyurl.com/TCIRenew

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