Cayman Islands Government issue draft National Energy Policy

The Cayman Islands Government has, as of this week, released a draft Energy Policy for the islands.

The vision for the National Energy Policy (NEP);

To be an efficient, diversified energy sector, supported by informed public behavior within the Cayman Islands, which provides secure, reliable, and affordable energy in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Vision for the NEP—this defines the orientation towards which the Cayman Islandsintends to steer its energy sector; and provides the overall setting for the NEP’s Goals, Objectives, and Policies

Goals for the NEP—these state what the Cayman Islands wants to achieve for its energy sector: decrease costs of energy (as a priority), increase environmental sustainability, increase energy security, and contribute to economic development of the energy industry

Objectives of the NEP—these are dynamic objectives (in that they may evolve over time if technological and economic conditions allow it), and define measurable andquantifiable results expected to be produced in the long term: 21 percent of overall energy savings, 13.5 percent of electricity sold generated from renewable sources, and 19 percent reduction (3.5 million tons) in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a business as usual scenario

Policies for electricity (renewable energy, energy conservation, and energy efficiency in supply and demand), transportation, fuel products, land use, and public awareness and education: these (divided into general and specific policies) identify how to pursue desired results.

The Implementation Strategy and Plan complements this NEP by specifying the actions and resources to put the NEP in place, and monitor actual progress against the NEP’sgoals and objectives.

Please download this document and read it. If you have suggestions or changes that you think need to be made please contact your elected representative. A good place to ask questions would be at the campaign meeting now taking place. Keep in mind that this document will affect the cost of living in the Cayman Islands for many years into the future. Let us all do our part to ensure we get it right!

The Cayman Institute, the organization that started the conversation on Energy Security in 2007 with a presentation to Cabinet, is extremley gratified to see the progress that has been made and congratulates the Cayman Islands government for pushing forward with this critical project. Download / Read