Government aims to ensure that poor and vulnerable citizens benefit from the renewable energy transition by containing costs.

The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology has organized a one-day consultation to obtain critical feedback on the planned implementation of a National Energy Transition Strategy.

The Government of Saint Lucia recently signed the National Energy Transition Strategy with key partners LUCELEC and the Clinton Climate Initiative, Rocky Mountain Institute and Carbon War Room alliance (CCI/ RMI-CWR).

The transition strategy will ensure that the stability and reliability of the existing electrical grid is not compromised as the government works towards accomplishing its mandate to achieve 35 percent of electricity production from renewable energy sources and a 20 percent reduction in electricity consumption in the public sector by the year 2020.

It will also investigate ways in which a higher penetration of renewable energy is obtained at the least cost.

Energy Minister Sen. Hon. Dr. James Fletcher said one of government`s primary focuses is to ensure the poor and most vulnerable citizens do not foot the bill of transitioning but rather receive some reprieve in their electricity bills.

To ensure that various stakeholder perspectives are represented during the implementation of this strategy, the consultation will include participation from key stakeholders involved in Saint Lucia’s energy transition.

The Saint Lucia National Energy Transition Strategy Stakeholder Consultation will be held on Feb. 12 at the Bougainvillea Conference Room of the Bay Gardens Hotel from 8:30 a.m.