The public have been urged to have their say on the island’s energy future, with an Integrated Resource Plan now open for consultation.

The proposed IRP handed in by the Belco power provider to the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda outlined the island’s anticipated demand for electricity, and comes with the utility’s suggestions for changes to fuel and power sources, along with the electrical grid.

The latest document has far-ranging proposals for investment in renewable energy, including solar, wind and wave power options, and suggests switching Belco from the use of heavy fuel oil to a less carbon-intense option of light fuel oil.

The RA announced the publication of the document yesterday, with consultation now open, calling the IRP “a strategic blueprint outlining Bermuda's long-term energy future”.

The proposals for the island’s energy future are now online via the RA website.

The authority said the IRP process was mandated by the Electricity Act 2016, which requires the island’s lone transmission, distribution and retail licensee to submit regular proposals outlining expected demand with a procurement plan to meet it.

The proposal would then get evaluated by the RA with the public’s feedback.

The regulator said it considered all possible resources, including renewable energy options and efficiency measures, for “a diversified and robust generation portfolio”.

Nigel Burgess, the RA's head of regulation, emphasised the value of public involvement and due diligence.

He said: “The RA’s focus is on making decisions based on data verified by industry experts.

“We aim to ensure that Bermuda's energy future is sustainable, as cost-effective as possible, and meets the reliability expected by Bermuda’s residents.”

He called on the community, from potential investors to consumers, to review the proposal and give feedback, adding: “This collaborative approach will help us refine the plan to best meet Bermuda's energy needs.”

The public consultation period is 60 days, ending on September 30, and is open to “opinions and alternative generation proposals”.

The regulator said that with the assistance of feedback, it aimed to develop “an electricity plan that meets demand at the lowest overall cost, and considers the economic, environmental and social implications of different energy solutions”.