OAS Assists with the National Energy Policy of Dominica

An OAS technical mission focusing on renewable energy concluded a mission to Dominica on November 21, 2009. The mission comprising Energy Specialist, Mr. Kevin de Cuba and regional energy policy consultant, Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson held several meetings with Government officials and local stakeholders in Roseau. The team in particular worked with the Honorable Minister Charles Savarin and his senior staff of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Ports to discuss and prepare the draft National Energy Policy to be submitted to Cabinet for review.

The mission was conducted as part of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Program (CSEP) that is being executed by the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (GS/OAS). The project is implemented by the OAS in partnership with the CARICOM Secretariat, REEEP and CARILEC. Financial support for the program is provided by the European Commission. Seven Eastern Caribbean states are involved in the CSEP. A significant component of the project is the facilitation and adoption of energy policies, strategies and legislation that stimulate development and the efficient use of renewable energy resources and systems.

This mission is a follow up to a stakeholders meeting held in March 2009 at the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau where senior government representatives of the Commonwealth of Dominica met with representatives from the OAS and other international organizations to discuss opportunities to advance the development of a National Energy Policy (NEP) and a Sustainable Energy Plan (SEP). The plan is expected to generate a framework for transitioning Dominica’s energy sector toward a more sustainable future. The approach will target energy efficiency improvements, the incorporation of renewable energy alternatives, institutional strengthening, and other measures that will help reduce energy costs while enhancing the reliability of the system.

The GS/OAS remains committed to informing the Dominican citizens about the National Energy Policy development. Consultations have occurred with the commercial sector, the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC), non-profit organizations, civil society, international financial and technical agencies and academic communities. Collaborations continue with the electric utility DOMLEC, and with other potential energy generators, including those currently pursuing geothermal power