Commerce Minister, Emma Hippolyte, says the government continues to collaborate with various agencies to explore avenues for green energy generation.

“We continue to monitor and be actively involved in the work of the NURC (National Utilities Regulatory Commission) and other stakeholders with the goal of advancing needed legislative changes to enable the green transition,” Hippolyte said at the opening ceremony for Energy Awareness Month this year.

In 2022, a report compiled by the World Bank revealed that “at $0.44 per kilowatt, the average family in Saint Lucia pays three times more to power their home than other countries, like, the United States.” The report however highlighted that “fortunately, Saint Lucia had considerable geothermal potential that can be exploited and can likely allow for self-sufficiency in electric power generation.”

From 2014, the World Bank provided Saint Lucia with technical support in identifying 3 new sites for geothermal energy exploration -  Belle Plaine, Fond St. Jacques, and Mondesir-Saltibus, all in the southwestern portion of the island.

Hippolyte says the government is involving all sectors in the development of renewable energy generation.

“We strongly believe that public buy-in and compliance are cornerstones to achieving our green goals. For greater energy independence … we have adopted a tripartite approach involving government, consumers, and businesses.”

Energy Minister Hon. Stephenson King says the government understands the link between renewable energy and empowering Saint Lucians. “We are placing paramount importance on cost efficiency, local empowerment, and security. It is underpinned by 12 fundamental values, ranging from reliability and inclusivity to accountability and resilience,” he said.

Since the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the price of electricity generation has skyrocketed to heights never before seen. Governments around the world are looking for ways to reduce this cost on their economies.