The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, along with the Organization of Caribbean Utility
Regulators (OOCUR) and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
(CCREEE), will host a workshop on electricity regulations in small island states within the
Caribbean from March 12-14 at the Marriott Resort Frigate Bay.
The workshop, entitled “Right-sizing Electricity Regulations in Small Island States within the
Caribbean: How Far, How Fast?” aims to address the challenges faced by small island states
in the Caribbean regarding energy insecurity, limited access to energy resources, outdated
power plants and infrastructure, and deteriorating grid systems.
Workshop organizer Dr Devon Gardner, Head of Technical Programmes at the CCREEE, said
that two waves of regulatory reform had taken place in the electricity sector, with the first
wave focusing on introducing competition and private sector involvement in a sector
traditionally dominated by the state. The second wave focused on establishing independent
regulatory oversight for the sector independent of elected officials. The appropriateness of
both these waves is debatable for small island states.
According to Dr. Gardner, “There is, therefore, a need for country-appropriate regulatory
structures. The workshop will highlight this and the importance of independent regulation to
facilitate the integration of renewable energy and attract investment. The workshop also
addresses challenges such as limited human capacity and the risk of regulatory capture in
small island states.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Utilities, St. Kitts and Nevis,
Mr Daryll Lloyd, said that the objectives of the workshop include providing participants with a
clear understanding of fit-for-purpose regulations for the integration of renewable energy,
identifying the capacities required for regulatory functions, and developing roadmaps for the
establishment of independent regulatory agencies.
“The expected outcomes of the workshop include promoting forward-looking discussions on
regulatory structures and opportunities for regulatory oversight, as well as designing
roadmaps for establishing independent regulatory agencies in specific participating
countries,” Mr Lloyd said.
The targeted participants are government ministers, senior officials, and regulators from the
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) territories.
The workshop is financially supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom and receives
technical support from the Fair Trading Commission in Barbados and the Office of Utilities
Regulation in Jamaica.
