Caribbean roundup: Emera, WAPA, interconnection study, BEL, energy policy

Emera (TSX: EMA) announced planned capex of Cdn$215mn (US$214mn) through 2016 in the Caribbean, where the company has 80% stakes in Barbados Light & Power and Grand Bahama Power, and controls 19% of St Lucia Electricity Services. *** Hugo V Hodge Jr, executive director of the US Virgin Islands' Water and Power Authority (WAPA), reported that talks with companies shortlisted for an RFP from IPPs for up to 10MW solar photovoltaic generation are due to wrap up by April. Public Service Commission approval is expected by June, a WAPA release quoted Hodge as saying, adding the first group of solar panels could be online in 2013. The companies are AES Solar, BeSmart Energy Capital, Lanco Solar International, Sun Edison, SunPower and Toshiba. WAPA aims to sign a 20-year PPA with a five-year renewable option. Winners will be responsible for project construction and O&M. The capacity will be split between generation facilities that serve districts St Thomas/St John and St Croix. *** The Energy and Climate Partnership for the Americas said that consultancy Kema will perform a prefeasibility study into an interconnection between Puerto Rico and Saint Kitts and Nevis. *** Belize Electricity Limited ( BEL) completed its review of the Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) initial decision handed down on January 12 as part of the full tariff review proceeding and will not file objections to the initial decision. "On December 1, 2011, BEL applied for a reduction in electricity rates and in its initial decision, the PUC has put forward a further reduction. BEL has determined that further cost saving measures and a possible reduction in the business tax rate can support this further reduction," the company said in a statement. BEL will target cost savings in materials purchased and contracted services, and apply to the government to reduce the business tax. The utility said it also will further review its initial proposal for an increase in fees to discourage meter tampering and sub-standard wiring, and plans to make a revised submission on these fees in the upcoming 2012 annual tariff review proceeding. *** And Jamaica's energy minister Phillip Paulwell announced plans to establish a National Energy Council to work with stakeholders to implement the recently drafted National Energy Policy. The council is expected to be convened in three months and will include members of the private sector, civil society and the business community, government information service JIS reported.