-by David Clarke
Government’s commitment to cutting electricity costs by 50 percent remains on track, but the reduction will be introduced in phases, with communities benefiting from renewable-energy projects expected to see further reductions.
President Irfaan Ali says several communities have already benefited, while others are being assessed for similar reductions.
“One of the things that we have committed to in the manifesto is the reduction in the cost of electricity, to bring it down by 50% for consumers across the country,” he said.
For communities where renewable energy infrastructure is already in place, the Government says lower electricity costs are beginning to become a reality.
Solar installations and battery-storage systems are being used to support the power supply in several areas, particularly in the hinterland.
“We have started, especially in areas where we had the solar installation and where we had the battery backup system. In those areas, we have been able to already announce phase reduction in the cost of electricity,” the president explained.
He says Region Two communities, including Leguan and Wakenaam, are also being assessed, while Lethem is being considered in connection with its hydro system.
“In the coming months there will be additional communities that will get the first branch of that reduction, like Bartica and certain sections in, I think, Region One would have already benefited from,” he said.
The President did not give a national deadline for the full 50 percent reduction, but says the phased approach will continue as renewable-energy systems come on stream and the necessary analysis is completed.