New Energy Policy Committee Announced

The Cabinet of the Cayman Islands Government has approved the establishment of a new Energy Policy Implementation Committee (EPIC). This body replaces the now dissolved Energy Policy Council (EPC) and is required under Section 4 of the updated National Energy Policy 2024-2045 and Implementation and Monitoring Plan.

The creation of the EPIC follows the policy’s five-year review and the approval of the updated National Energy Policy (NEP), which occurred on 16 April 2024.

Established under the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, EPIC will serve as an active participant in the implementation of the NEP and ensure the effective completion of the strategic actions as laid down in the Cabinet approved Plan. Its responsibilities include coordinating the delivery process, tracking milestones, and ensuring the completion of the strategic initiatives within their responsibility.

Membership has been determined based on the designated responsible parties for strategic actions in the Implementation and Monitoring Plan. Participants include senior members of Government, representatives from utility companies and the Regulator, and supporting members who will assist with project delivery.  

The appointed Committee members are as follows:

The Committee will also be responsible for establishing sub-committees which will include, but not be limited to, representatives from government agencies, the private sector and civil society. Reporting will be directly to the Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability

Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health Environment and Sustainability, said: “The National Energy Policy is an instrumental policy that, since it was first approved in 2017, has made a significant impact in our understanding of energy efficiency and has generated tangible results for our people, policy-making and the country as a whole. As we continue to work towards the NEP’s targets of 100% renewable energy, 100% new vehicle sales from electric vehicles, and 100% emissions reductions from electricity supply by 2045, it is vital that we have an effective committee to support its successful implementation. 

“I thank the outgoing members of the Energy Policy Council for their service over the years and their commitment to updating the National Energy Policy.  

“I look forward to working with the appointed members of the Energy Policy Implementation Committee and supporting the initiatives of the Policy.”

Ms. Tamara Ebanks, Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, said: “Implementation and monitoring is what ensures government policies make people’s lives better. I am excited to see the next phase of this policy’s implementation come to life, and I look forward to working with the appointed Chair and members of the Energy Policy Implementation Committee.”