As OfReg continues to focus on promoting consumer protection and ensuring good utility regulation across the entire country, Acting Chairman Mr. Frank Balderamos, Interim CEO Mr. Peter Gough and key staff members visited Cayman Brac last week to meet with regulated entities and tour their facilities. The team, visited Island Energy Ltd (formerly Cayman Brac Power & Light), Digicel, Flow, Logic and Home Gas Ltd.
The visit provided the OfReg team with an opportunity to view the current infrastructure and installations in place as used to provide service to consumers and to meet staff charged with managing and operating the various facilities. The discussions allowed the team to learn first-hand what issues operators are experiencing in delivering service, what their future plans for development are and how OfReg can assist in better regulating the various sectors for the benefit of consumers.
The team also met with District Commissioner Mr. Mark Tibbetts to discuss how OfReg is working to promote sustainable utilities development and consumer protection in the Sister Islands, and to get an idea of what issues residents are most concerned with respect to utility service. A highlight of the discussions surrounded the newly formed Consumer Council and the value of having a representative from the Sister Islands appointed to the committee.
During a meeting with representatives from Island Energy Ltd (IEL)- Mr. Jonathan Tibbetts General Manager and Mr. Kenny Ryan, Line and Plant Manager (IEL) and Jan Feik, Vice President of Active Investments, DART the OfReg team was provided with an understanding of their current operations and in particular their future plans to transition to renewable energy to a degree that works for the consumer.
"This visit is a great opportunity for us to engage with licensees directly and understand the essential utilities and services they provide on the three islands," said Mr. Gough. "It is essential for us to understand the challenges they face and support them in delivering reliable and affordable services to the public.
“Regular site visits and meetings with both licensees and consumers is key to effective regulation and OfReg endeavors to continue its’ efforts in these areas.”