Photo credit: ronin_z_e_r_o/Flickr
The Premier of the Cayman Islands, the Hon. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, has announced the that at least 1,500 low-income households will soon be receiving free solar panel systems paid for by his government. The Save the Home Programme is designed to reduce electricity bills by at least 70% and will cost the government an estimated $15 million to purchase, install, and maintain. The program is being implemented in order to meet a previous commitment to reduce utility bills and ensure that families always have electrical essentials such as lights and refrigerators without fear of losing service from the utility company.
While using solar panels to reduce electric bills is a great use of the technology, a reduction in fossil fuel use and lower carbon emissions is a major goal of the program as well. The Cayman Islands import the majority of the fossil fuels they need for their 54,000 residents and as an island nation are vulnerable to rising sea levels brought on by climate change. “I now call upon the people of the Cayman Islands to join myself and the Government in these new energy initiatives, in an effort to take our place amongst responsible nations in protecting our environment and our way of life,” said Premier Bush. He has hopes that government buildings can eventually participate in the program in order to substantially cut their electricity bills too.
This effort to reduce their carbon footprint and utility costs will bring new jobs to the islands, as the program will provide 150-200 new jobs for Caymanians. It is now in Phase Three, with the Save the Home Committee reviewing applications from interested residents and beginning implementation of the panels.
[via Energy Matters]