As soot settles on rooftops and seeps into our drinking water, the voices of Pembroke residents reveal a harsh reality: Bermuda’s energy future is clouded by pollution and high costs. Even so, with this challenge comes an opportunity to choose a better path — liquefied natural gas.

This option not only addresses the immediate concerns of high energy prices and environmental impact but also presents a more sustainable solution for Bermuda’s future.

The Free Democratic Movement, guided by insights from engineers and people with hands-on experience at Belco, sees LNG as a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective energy source compared to what we currently rely on.

We believe Bermuda needs practical energy solutions that protect our environment while ensuring our power supply remains dependable and affordable.

High electricity costs are a heavy burden on households and businesses across the island. A shift to LNG would bring much-needed relief by lowering energy prices, making Bermuda more attractive as a business and tourist destination — key pillars of our economy.

Residents have every right to demand clean air, clean roofs, and affordable energy. Unfortunately, the current energy practices provide none of these.

While some critics argue that natural gas is still a fossil fuel, it’s important to recognise that it emits significantly fewer pollutants and less carbon dioxide than our current fuels.

Renewable energy, while ideal for homes and businesses, faces challenges in reliability, high costs, and the need for significant grid upgrades, making it difficult to meet all of Bermuda's energy needs, especially during peak-demand periods.

Complaints about Belco’s operations, especially concerning soot, highlight the urgent need for change. Switching to LNG would improve living conditions for affected communities, lower costs, and reduce the environmental impact.

Belco has already prepared for this transition by installing engines capable of running on natural gas, setting the stage for a smoother shift to cleaner energy.

The time to act is now. Bermuda cannot afford to continue relying on outdated energy sources that harm our environment and strain our wallets. Transitioning to LNG offers a balanced approach, allowing us to address immediate energy concerns while preparing for a time when renewables become a more viable and reliable option for Bermuda.

As Bermuda approaches election season, it’s time to hold our leaders accountable. The FDM believes LNG is the best option for Bermuda today — an efficient, affordable, and reliable energy source that will solve current pollution problems and support our long-term environmental goals.

Let’s move forward with a plan that balances environmental responsibility with economic reality, ensuring a brighter, cleaner future for all Bermudians.

• Ricardo Nesbitt is the FDM’s regional organiser for Pembroke, Constituencies 17, 18, 19 and 20