CARILEC reflects on the Caribbean energy sector as the 2024 hurricane season ends

With the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season now officially ended, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation( CARILEC), has been reflecting on the challenges and resilience of the region’s utility services and is advocating for policy and other changes to build resilience.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted the 2024 season to be an above-normal season, and over the past six months, the region experienced a total of 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and seven tropical storms, a CARILEC release notes. Alarmingly, five of these hurricanes reached major hurricane status, classified as Category 3 or higher.

Among the notable storms this season, three major weather systems- Hurricane Beryl, Tropical Storm Nadine, and Tropical Storm Sara, left significant marks on several Caribbean islands, CARILEC points out.

Hurricane Beryl, in particular, was unprecedented as the first Category 5 hurricane to develop so early in the Atlantic hurricane season. The storm caused devastation across Jamaica, Grenada, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, disrupting lives, infrastructure, and essential services.

“For the energy sector in the Caribbean, the aftermath of hurricanes underscores the vulnerabilities inherent to island systems. With ageing infrastructure, topographical vulnerabilities, the need for the introduction or revision of relevant policies and frameworks, and supply chain issues, regional utilities face immense challenges in mitigating and recovering from storm-related damage,” CARILEC states.

It says as well that during Hurricane Beryl, approximately 158,101 customers across the region were left without power as high winds and torrential rain battered utility networks. The prolonged outages affected homes, businesses, and critical services, highlighting the need for robust disaster preparedness plans and recovery mechanisms.

CARILEC, through its Disaster Assistance Programme (CDAP), played a critical role in responding to the impact of these cyclones over the season. Coordinating the deployment of 100 skilled personnel from less affected Member States, CARILEC says it supported with swift restoration efforts in Jamaica, Grenada, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“CDAP is a testament to the strength of regional cooperation and mutual support among CARILEC member utilities,” the release quotes Dr. Cletus Bertin, Executive Director of CARILEC as stating.

“Our commitment to assisting member utilities, and by extension, the states within which they operate, extends beyond disaster response through CDAP. It encompasses a wide range of capacity building initiatives, such as specialized training programs across a wide range of areas and major conferences, including a Disaster Management Round-table, which equips utilities with critical skills for crisis preparedness and response.

“We also host exhibitions, which provide a platform for showcasing advancements in technology and connecting utilities with suppliers, ensuring they are well-equipped to build resilient networks and adapt to the challenges posed by an increasingly volatile weather system.”

CARILEC’s board and secretariat have extended heartfelt thanks to the utility members and private contractors for their cooperation in the deployment of Line workers and materials in the post-disaster restoration and rebuilding efforts. “While the official hurricane season has ended, CARILEC reminds member utilities and the public that cyclonic activity can occur outside the traditional period. As such, vigilance and preparedness remain essential. “The 2024 Hurricane season has reinforced the importance of proactive planning, investment in resilient infrastructure, and regional collaboration in disaster response and mitigation.”

CARILEC states as well that it “continues to advocate for integrating sustainable and innovative renewable energy solutions through the development and implementation of appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks across Caribbean jurisdictions, strengthening power grids, and fostering partnerships to build a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the Caribbean”.

About CARILEC:

The Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation (CARILEC) is an Association of over one hundred and twenty (120) energy solution providers and other stakeholders operating in the electricity industry in the Caribbean. CARILEC was established in 1989 with nine (9) members as part of an Electric Utilities modernization project funded by USAID. CARILEC’s mandate is to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity building, business development, advocacy, and mutual assistance.