Mock up of the 97mw solar farm currently under construction in Brechin Castle
The Energy Chamber of Trinidad & Tobago is committed to fostering a strong and effective energy sector that delivers long-term benefits to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Our country’s ability to truly benefit from its oil and gas resources depends on a thriving energy industry that is well-managed, competitive, and sustainable. This requires collaboration between all stakeholders, including the multinational companies, the local private sector, state enterprises, academia, training institutions and the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Energy Chamber plays a critical role in bringing people together to strengthen the sector and ensure that it continues to provide opportunities for jobs, investment, and economic growth. The ongoing efforts to increase production and create more economic benefits are a testament to this collaborative approach. Some of the issues that need to be addressed are complex and require new approaches.
Electricity pricing is one such issue. In 2023, in response to the Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) draft tariff review, we conducted an in-depth consultation with members and a technical review of the RIC recommendations. We published a detailed position paper on the rate review on the 31st March 2023. It is available on our website.
We firmly believe that every household should have access to a basic supply of electricity at an affordable rate. No family should ever have to choose between keeping the lights on or meeting other essential needs. All children must be able to do their homework under electric lights, and families must be able to safely refrigerate food. These are fundamental necessities, and the Energy Chamber supports ensuring that every household has access to them.
We recommend that households utilizing under 1,000 kwh on a bi-monthly basis should not have any increase in their electricity price. This is around half of the households in the country and they only benefit from 8% of the electricity consumed.
At the same time, households and businesses that use significantly more electricity should contribute in line with the actual cost of generating and supplying that power. A structure that aligns costs with usage ensures that the system remains viable while encouraging responsible energy consumption. The better off households are the ones who need to make the choice between investing in energy conservation or paying higher prices.
The conversation about energy, electricity, and national development is an important one, and we remain committed to engaging in thoughtful discussions, based on data, that prioritize the best interests of the country as a whole. Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector has been a pillar of our economy for decades, and by working together—the multinational companies, the private sector, and the government—we can ensure it continues to serve the people well for generations to come.