Vincentians could see a significant reduction in electricity bill – Myers

The possibility exists that in four years, this country would be generating up to 75 per cent of its electrical requirement from indigenous resources like geothermal, hydro and solar power.

What this means for persons living here, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) Thornley Myers, is that significant reductions on electricity bills may be coming.

Myers made the point last Monday during the launch of exploratory drilling for geothermal energy at Bamboo Range, Orange Hill.

He said that at this stage, approximately 16 per cent of this country’s power comes from hydro generation but the company’s expansion into solar and now geothermal energy can be a gamechanger.

“We are extremely hopeful that while in the short-term geothermal will not eliminate the fuel surcharge, it will make it an item of significantly less concern to electricity consumers,” Myers told a gathering to loud applause.

He added that the impact of the geothermal project will be felt in a tangible way when the product of the drilling operation reaches the home of every persons in the form of electricity.

Locally, the cost of electricity continues to be among the highest in the region. This is so because of the role played by diesel in the supply of electricity, and Myers says that Vincentians continue to bemoan the presence of the fuel surcharge.

“The existence of a geothermal plant generating electricity means that VINLEC will use significantly less diesel for the generation of electricity and we will, therefore, not be as exposed to the ups and downs of fuel prices and the international market,” Myers said.

He stressed that the identification and exploration of the country’s potential geothermal resources could convert St Vincent into one of the countries in the Caribbean whose electricity network would be powered completely from green and renewable energy resources.

“It is projected that in the short term, on successful completion of the geothermal drilling and commissioning of the geothermal plant…in excess of 50 per cent of the electricity generated in St Vincent will be delivered by the geothermal plant,” Myers told persons.

He added that the policy direction of the state speaks to an increasing contribution from local resources for the generation of electricity and together VINLEC and the government continue to work to ensure targets are met and the quality and reliability of the electricity system is maintained.

He added also the VINLEC spent over two years in discussions and negotiations with the geothermal project partners over the terms and conditions under which VINLEC will purchase energy from the St Vincent Geothermal Company Limited as well as those under which the company will generate and deliver power.

VINLEC is also currently working with the CDB on the terms of reference for the consultancy services to design the transmission line to connect the geothermal plant to VINLEC’s South Rivers and Cane Hall power plants.

The VINLEC CEO sees the geothermal initiative as a major milestone in the national thrust to reduce energy cost, reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel, produce avenues to stimulate social and economic development and reduce the impact of the burning of fossil fuel on the environment.