Managing Director of The Barbados Light & Power Company (BL&P), Mark King has expressed satisfaction over a recent upsurge in the use of the Renewable Energy Rider which was proposed by BL&P in an application to the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) and introduced two years ago. He said that the increased use of the Rider which allows customers with Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) and micro wind systems to sell their excess energy to the electricity grid, augured well for the utilization of these technologies.
King was speaking at the launch of the Energy Week Competition for Schools which is being presented by the Division of Energy of the Ministry of Finance in association with sponsors – The Barbados Light & Power Company. The Essay, Poster and Colouring Competitions invite primary and secondary school students to address topics under the Energy Week Theme, “Energy, Engine of the Economy” with a focus on the importance of energy sustainability in all the sectors that are important producers, transformers and consumers of energy.
The BL&P Managing Director in his address to the government officials and students assembled for the launch of competition at the Solar House in Queen’s Park, observed that while the adoption of renewable energy technologies presented challenges for small island states such as scarce land and financial resources, the local solar water heating industry had already demonstrated how the abundance of sunshine can be effectively harnessed and used to the benefit of Barbadians.
The Energy Executive disclosed that a key component of the BL&P Strategic Plan is to actively seek to reduce our dependence on the use of fossil fuel for the generation of electricity while supporting the utilization of renewable energy sources, adding that the Renewable Energy Rider was a demonstration of the Company’s commitment to this policy.
“In addition to this initiative, the Company has indicated to the Government of Barbados, its willingness to work with it on other initiatives such as the retrofitting of street lights with more efficient L.E.D technology as well as the biomass, waste to energy and landfill gas initiatives” King said.
Speaking to the theme for Energy Week 2012 and the Competition, “Energy, Engine of the Economy”, Mr King emphasized his Company was delighted to get on board with the competition to help youth highlight their creativity and better appreciate their energy future. “The Barbados Light & Power Company recognizes and celebrates the inextricable link between the youth and a sustainable energy future.” he said.
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