The Department of Energy has moved forward with discussion on policy development, arising out of the Energy Summit (http://www.bermudaenergysummit.bm) held in November.

The workshop, the first in a series of consultations, was held at The Fairmont Southampton yesterday. It included stakeholders invited to the November Summit, together with others who have expressed an interest in participating.

Of the approximately 80 people attending, Greenrock and BEST were included among the advocacy non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The list of stakeholders present also included business leaders, representatives from the renewable energy sector, “green” businesses, local financiers, and the utility, Belco.

There were several topics of discussion including the affordability of renewable energy, controlling access to the grid in an organised and fair manner, and climate change.

The workshop was designed to refine policy initiatives within the group of key stakeholders. The consultation group will eventually be enlarged and members of the public will be given an opportunity to comment and contribute to the policy development in due course.

Grant Gibbons, the Minister for Economic Development, said, “This policy development is necessary in order for us to properly revise and reframe energy legislation so that the energy sector regulation is up to date and responsive to Bermuda’s current and future needs.

“We are working with our consultants, Castalia Ltd, who are assisting with the workshops.”

An “Open Space” methodology was used for the latest workshop, encouraging a more open dialogue among participants. The approach allows key issues to be discussed in depth, to ensure a better understanding of the perspectives and positions of the stakeholders.

The minister added: “We are also planning wider public consultation. Thus far, the Bermuda Energy Working Group and the Energy Commission have been afforded the opportunity to comment on the broad policy building blocks as developed by Castalia in November.

“The ‘Open Space’ methodology is different from the usual approach of holding a series of town hall meetings on an issue. With this methodology we believe we can make the best use of resources, shorten time frames and efficiently address the required discussion topics.”