The Department of Energy has invited public input into the formulation of a new Electricity Policy, by hosting a “community conversation” tomorrow from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Goodwin C. Smith Heritage Worship Centre on 59 Dundonald Street, Hamilton.

This follows the Bermuda Energy Summit, the collaborative event that was jointly produced last November by the Ministry of Economic Development, BermudaFirst, Ascendant Group Ltd, the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce and Greenrock. The summit created the opportunity for energy stakeholders to begin envisioning the reform of the energy sector.

A follow-up meeting was also held to continue high-level dialogue on a number of specific issues. But this week’s event is open to the public and is specifically designed to gain a wider perspective on what is seen as the issues.

“Central to this discussion on electricity production is the question of how we work together to ensure we create the best electricity policy for the Island going forward,” said Jeane Nikolai, the director of the Department of Energy.

“During this community conversation, we need to focus on the critical issues: what aspirations we have in terms of immediate needs and what are our necessary next steps to move this process along.

“We need to have public input into what is needed to move Bermuda towards a more sustainable electricity future. Sound policy is what will frame effective laws and regulations, so we want to hear opinions, ideas and questions from members of the public.”

The energy department has been working with a number of stakeholders and organisations developing new strategies for Bermuda. An important focus of that strategy will be how the Island produces efficient electricity to meet its needs.