National Energy Policy

The National Energy Policy (NEP), released in 2011 by the government, aims at providing affordable, efficient, equitable, reliable and accessible forms of energy to Antiguans and Barbudans. Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and measure are particularly promoted in order to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. The Policy intends to foster the development of a legal, institutional and economic environment that enable such policy to happen. Specific goals set out by NEP are energy cost reduction, diversification and efficient use of energy sources, electric reliability, environmental protection, economic opportunities.

The NEP covers the the power sector, but also cooking and transport. It seeks a more energy efficient and cleaner road fleet, and enhanced public transport. Tax systems to reduce greenhouse gases emission in the transport sector will be developed by the appropriate ministries.

The NEP was updated in 2013 by the Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP). SEAP intends to serve as a roadmap for the energy future in Antigua and Barbuda from 2010 until 2030, and identify four kind of barriers to overcome: 1) institutional and regulatory barriers, 2) barriers harming energy conservation and energy efficiency targets, 3) barriers harming renewable energy development, and 4) countering low levels of awareness from the people and technical education.