A new committee will cut Bermuda’s reliance on fossil fuels and find ways to slash energy costs.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Department of Energy, will create the Energy Policy Steering Committee to advise the ministry on the National Electricity Sector Policy and the National Fuels Policy.

It will also be charged with ensuring the Integrated Resource Plan, which sets out Bermuda’s future energy generation mix, is being successfully implemented.

It is aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy sources while cutting costs.

Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, announced in the House of Assembly this morning that the NESP and NFP were developed in 2015 and 2018 respectively.

Subsequent development included the 2019 launch of Bermuda’s first IRP and a “significant rise in electricity prices of almost 40 per cent since 2021”.

Ms Lightbourne said the ministry would require expertise and resources to implement updated policies.

The committee is to rely on input from policymakers, industry professionals and community representatives, with officials from the ministry, department and other key agencies responsible for land and resource management.

Energy and environmental experts will include former members of the Regulatory Authority, Belco and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Economists, policy analysts and representatives from academia will be invited to assess the impact of energy policies while private sector groups, such as renewable energy firms and organisations advocating for energy affordability, will have a say.

Ms Lightbourne said the public, as well as environmental advocacy groups and local and foreign non-governmental organisations, would be invited to take part, ensuring diverse perspectives were taken into account.

She added: “When needed, the EPSC may also consult temporary subject matter experts for specific initiatives.

“The primary responsibilities of the EPSC will be to periodically review and update the NESP and NFP to ensure that these policies remain relevant and effective.

“The committee will identify policy gaps and propose new measures to support renewable energy integration, energy efficiency and sustainable fuels.”

The latest IRP, submitted in 2023 and updated in May 2024, seeks to more than halve Bermuda’s carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 with investment in renewable energy including solar power, offshore wind power and biomass fuels.

It is aimed at moving towards the use of cleaner fuels, including light fuel oil over heavy fuel oil — the main fuel used at present.

Liquefied Natural Gas, previously rejected for use in Bermuda by the RA, is also considered as a long-term addition to Bermuda’s energy mix.

Ms Lightbourne added: “A key function of the EPSC will be to align the IRP with Bermuda’s overarching energy policies.

“The committee will provide recommendations to both the RA and Belco to guide future energy planning, ensuring that long-term sustainability, energy security and cost reduction remain at the forefront.

“Should any deviations occur, the EPSC will recommend corrective actions to the minister.”