Big businesses urged to go green as gov’t hikes energy fees

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer is urging the BVI’s biggest electricity consumers to invest in solar and other renewable energy as the government moves to cut millions of dollars in electricity subsidies.

The government has changed the electricity tariff structure so customers using more than 1,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will pay more on consumption above that level. The change was made through the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges (Amendment of Schedule 2) Order, 2026, which took effect on June 24. Premier Natalio Wheatley brought a resolution to the House of Assembly on August 13, seeking lawmakers’ approval of the Order.

Rymer stressed that the change will affect only about five percent of BVIEC customers. “Ninety-five percent of our customers will see absolutely no change to the electricity bill,” Rymer said. “The first 1,500 units remain unchanged and subsidised.”

In defending the change, the minister explained that the existing way rates are charged has become unsustainable, with BVIEC absorbing about $13 million in subsidies in 2025 and projected to absorb more than $14 million this year. The government’s aim is to cut that subsidy roughly in half with the new system.

“This is not about increasing BVIEC’s profitability,” Rymer said. “This is basically about their financial survival.”

With larger consumers now facing higher costs, Rymer encouraged them to reduce their dependence on the electricity grid by investing in renewable energy.

“If I could speak to the larger consumers, I know that this adjustment may present some challenges, but I also know that you’re innovative. I know you’re resilient, and I know you understand the importance of planning for the long term,” Rymer said.

He said BVIEC has been encouraging large consumers to install grid-tied renewable energy systems, adding that banks are offering financing that could help businesses install solar panels with lower upfront costs.

Rymer pointed to Roadtown Wholesale, which recently commissioned what he described as the Caribbean’s largest rooftop solar installation — a $1.9 million investment producing roughly one megawatt of power. He also said other businesses are exploring rooftop solar projects and encouraged more companies to follow.

“The pathway is clear, the financing is available, the technology is proven, and the benefits are indeed real,” Rymer said. “The businesses that embrace renewable energy today will be the ones that see a reduction in their energy cost tomorrow.”