Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table two negative resolutions concerning the Electricity Amendment Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2023 and the Electricity (Innovative Licence) Regulations 2023. These regulations represent important instruments that are necessary to give full effect to the innovative licence provisions under section 32A of the Electricity Act 2016.
Mr. Speaker, the Electricity (Innovative Licence) Regulations 2023 establish a framework for the application, evaluation, and issuance of licences for companies wishing to test or deploy new technologies in the electricity sector.
The innovative licence is intended to facilitate advancements that align with Bermuda’s energy transition goals, allowing new or unproven technologies to be introduced in a controlled and regulated manner. These regulations were designed to ensure robust oversight by the Regulatory Authority and require appropriate environmental assessments, public consultations, and compliance with grid and safety standards.
Mr. Speaker, complementary to these are the Consequential Amendments Regulations 2023, which made necessary modifications to other statutes, including the Marine and Ports Services Act 2021 and the Public Lands Act 1984.
These amendments were crafted to recognize the scope of the innovative licence within maritime and public lands contexts, thereby removing legal ambiguity and facilitating the practical implementation of pilot or demonstration projects.
Mr. Speaker, although both regulations were enacted in 2023, there has been a notable delay in operationalizing the innovative licence framework. The Regulatory Authority, due to internal capacity and resourcing constraints, was not in a position to receive or process licence applications. This delay created procedural uncertainty for prospective applicants and risked undermining the intended benefits of the legislative amendments.
Mr. Speaker, today’s tabling of these regulations as negative resolutions reaffirms this Government’s commitment to delivering a predictable and transparent regulatory environment for innovation in the energy sector.
We are hopeful that with these resolutions now formally before the Legislature, the Regulatory Authority will be in a position to begin accepting applications and issuing licenses in accordance with the prescribed framework.
Mr. Speaker, this Government continues to support the responsible introduction of innovation in the electricity sector, recognizing the importance of technology in achieving cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient energy systems for Bermuda.
We will continue to work closely with the Regulatory Authority to ensure the efficient and fair implementation of these tools and to maintain the public’s confidence in the regulatory process.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.