Renewable energy is the way to go

EDITOR: About two weeks ago I listened to a panel discussion on radio where some of our local electrical engineers along with other panellists were discussing the use of renewable energy as a means of keeping the cost of electricity stable, as well as reducing the monthly energy charges from Vinlec. And while Vinlec has been a fairly reliable service provider, why are all consumers on their way to pay their bills “face always vex”?

Part of that discussion looked at ‘grid tie’ solutions and one of the panellists felt that ‘grid tie’ was disadvantageous [to]other consumers, but fell short of explaining where the disadvantage was. To me, it was a sort of intellectual dishonesty. Any electricity source that taps into the national grid, whether it be hydro, wind or solar, would decrease the demand from diesel generated sources. Once there is a decrease for demand from diesel generators, it naturally means that the fuel consumption will also correspondingly, decrease. Once less fuel is used, it also means that the wicked ‘fuel surcharge” will also decrease…,well at least it should, innit ?

So how on earth can a consumer who has a grid tie solar system, which is helping ease the load and demand from the Vinlec generators be a disadvantage to all consumers, telling the public otherwise amounts to intellectual dishonesty! As a matter of fact, all schools and public buildings should be covered with solar panels, and tied into the national grid.What comes next has the opposite effect:When big hotels with more than 100 rooms are built, the demand for electricity from Vinlec increases, when the demand increases, the diesel generators have to run faster, when they run faster, they drink more fuel, when more fuel is used the fuel surcharge is passed on to ALL consumers! No if or but, that is a fact!Yes, development is good, but you and I have to pay for it forever, unless we break free.

If I was in a position of authority, all new developments must use green energy, every new house built must be encouraged to go green, every street light would be using either solar or a combination of wind/ solar as seen in neighbouring Dominica. I would also cover every government or public building with a strong roof with solar panels and tie them into the national power grid, because let’s face it , it is every consumer, you and I, who pays for the electricity used by police stations, clinics, hospitals, government offices, schools, and street lights. And that is another fact!