FREEPORT \u2013 The announced construction of a new $35 million electrical generating plant on Grand Bahama to address the current unreliable electrical supply and provide for growth is welcomed news, says Works and Transport Minister, Neko C. Grant.<\/p>\n
A Grand Bahama native and Member of Parliament for the Lucaya Constituency, the veteran politician was speaking on behalf of the Government during a press conference called by the Grand Bahama Power Company at the Pelican Bay Resort on Thursday, December 2.<\/p>\n
Officials from the company announced that Emera is now the majority owner of GBPC, having completed the purchase of MaruEnergy\u2019s 55.4 percent interest in the company.<\/p>\n
This acquisition brings Emera\u2019s interest in GBPC to 80.4 percent, and according to the firm\u2019s chief executive officer\u00a0 Chris Huskilson, the acquisition reinforces their belief in the potential of Grand Bahama and the inherent strengths which Grand Bahama possesses.<\/p>\n
Addressing members of the press and others from the business community, Mr. Grant noted that Emera now has a strategic foothold in Grand Bahama\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are a well funded company that has the means to build greater capacity to meet their customers’ current and future needs through their expertise and diverse portfolio of energy supply subsidiaries,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
The Lucaya MP pointed out that Emera is a publicly traded Canada-based holding company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia and that they are an energy and service company with electricity being their core business.<\/p>\n
The company is already well established in the Caribbean region offering services in St. Lucia and Barbados.<\/p>\n
Continuing, Mr. Grant added that \u201cEmera is now an essential part of Grand Bahama\u2019s infrastructure and an essential component of the island\u2019s economic growth and well-being.\u00a0 They hold a position of leadership that they must not take lightly.
\n\u201cUnder their leadership and expertise we look forward to a dependable and efficient delivery of electrical power to the residents and businesses on Grand Bahama.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe announced construction of a new $35 million electrical generating plant on Grand Bahama to address the current unreliable electrical supply and to provide for growth is welcomed news.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of the Government, I thank them for this demonstration of confidence in The Bahamas and the economy of Grand Bahama.\u00a0 We look forward to the start of construction and the employment opportunity for 80 to 100 persons during the construction phase,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The new plant will be constructed adjacent to the old plant on Queen\u2019s Highway.\u00a0 Power Company officials also announced Thursday that they will begin the groundwork to install two, one-megawatt wind turbines early next year which will mark the startup of renewable energy on Grand Bahama.<\/p>\n
Commenting on that aspect of the company\u2019s agenda, the country\u2019s Minister for Works and Transport said that Emera is also to be commended for the undertaking of a comprehensive electrical system assessment that will lead to a diversified electrical generation system less reliant on the price of oil and hopefully in the medium to long-term at a reduced cost to the consumer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this regard, we welcome their commitment to install two, one-megawatt wind turbines early next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government of The Bahamas is committed to alternative renewal energy development as this not only makes us less dependent on escalating fossil fuel prices, but also delivers the convenience of a modern lifestyle without polluting the environment,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Concluding, the Minister said that Emera is welcomed to Grand Bahama as a respectful and responsible corporate entity who will take care of their employees, the wider Grand Bahama communities and our environment.<\/p>\n
By SIMON LEWIS
\nBahamas Information Services<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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