The Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) in collaboration with the EU-funded TCI-RESEMBID Transitioning to Green Energy Project (TGEP) will celebrate CARICOM Energy Month (November 2023). The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Energy Month is an annual event that encourages countries and territories in the region to celebrate and promote sustainable energy practices. This year’s CARICOM Energy Month theme is “Accelerating Innovation, Driving Electrification”.

In celebration of CARICOM Energy Month, the EUD and the TCI RESEMBID project encourage the residents, local businesses, and the government to take part in energy-saving initiatives, energy efficiency upgrades, and adopting renewable energy solutions. This month-long initiative in TCI includes activities related to energy efficiency, energy conservation, and resilience in the face of climate change. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and advancing the energy sector towards a more sustainable and resilient future. It is a critical avenue for raising awareness about the need to transition to clean, renewable energy sources, increase energy efficiency, and build resilience in the energy sector. It promotes the adoption of sustainable energy practices that can reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and enhance energy security.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the key activities during Energy Month include but are not limited to the following:

1. Energy Management and Energy Audit Training - November 13-17, 2923 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM. This will be a live online training spearheaded by the TCI RESEMBID Project Officer, Engr. Zepherinus Norbert. The public, the energy Champions, public servants, and residents are encouraged to attend this capacity-building activity.
2. Energy Month Art Competition- A poster-making contest that revolves around a theme will be done under two categories: (1) high school and (2) elementary.
3. Meet the Press- A press conference is scheduled on November 22, 2023, to present the plan of the TCI government to incentivize early adopters to hasten the transition to green/clean energy sources.
4. Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF). The EUD Commissioner, Engr. Delano Arthur, and EUD Energy Analyst, Eric F. Salamanca, Ph.D. will be attending the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum in Kingston Jamaica on November 7-9, 2023.
5. Launch the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Tips Brochure.

The benefits of transitioning to renewable/green energy include but are not limited to the following:

1. Reduced Energy Costs: Transitioning to sustainable energy sources and improving energy efficiency can help reduce energy costs for individuals, businesses, and governments.
2. Environmental Preservation: By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, the TCI can significantly lower carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
3. Energy Security: Diversifying energy sources and promoting renewable energy projects enhance energy security by reducing dependence on volatile international oil markets.
4. Economic Development: Investment in clean energy technologies can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and attract foreign investments in the region.
5. Resilience to Climate Change: Adopting sustainable energy practices and resilient energy infrastructure helps the TCI better prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters.

The EUD considers Energy Month a pivotal event that will further promote its momentum towards sustainable energy practices, fosters collaboration, and hasten the pathway to a more sustainable, resilient, and economically prosperous energy sector. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, the EUD is doing its fair share by submitting the Renewable Energy Bill to the House of Assembly that will provide the framework for an increased uptake of renewable energy into the energy mix for a greener and sustainable future for the TCI.