APUA Prioritizes Safety and Compliance in Renewable Energy Initiatives

ST. JOHN’S Antigua, November 18th, 2024 – The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is committed to ensuring that all renewable energy systems meet established policies, prioritizing safety and the stability of the national energy grid.

APUA launched a comprehensive survey across the island to confirm that all renewable energy systems comply with its interconnection policy. The assessment has revealed several unregistered renewable energy systems, including batteries.

APUA’s support for registered renewable energy systems is a vital step towards minimizing carbon emissions. Dedication to this is evident in the addition of solar farms at the V.C. Bird International Airport, Bethesda, and most recently in Barbuda.

Aligning with this policy is essential for ensuring grid stability, as the fluctuating output from solar energy can influence voltage and frequency, thereby affecting the overall quality of power. Moreover, unregistered or incorrectly installed systems can create serious safety hazards, as power from these unregistered renewable energy systems could potentially feed back into the grid.

In accordance with the Public Utilities Act, subject to section five; subsection (2) “the Authority may give written permission to any person to generate and supply electricity at any place within Antigua and Barbuda.”

Subsection (3) also states: “Any person who generates, distributes, supplies or sells
electricity without the prior written permission of the Authority shall be guilty of an offense and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding three thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.”

The safety of the Authority’s line crews could be at immediate risk due to the illegal installation of batteries, so these systems should be turned off right away. The application process, along with the technical inspection, must be carried out without delay to enhance compliance and ensure the safety of the installations.

While the safety of those using the unregistered installation without batteries may not be at immediate risk, the application process should be completed within five business days to enhance compliance and ensure the safety of the installation.

Owners of these systems are encouraged to reach out to APUA’s Customer Service Department at tel. 480-7150 or email: [email protected] to begin the application process.

The Authority’s technicians will be visiting homeowners and business owners with unregistered renewable energy installations to carry out a technical inspection of their systems.

APUA is committed to the safeguarding of customers while ensuring the reliability of renewable energy systems. In doing so, APUA continues to play a vital role in the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future for residents in Antigua and Barbuda.