Vromi-Minister Marlin embraces solar energy

St. Maarten – Vromi-Minister William Marlin wants to go full steam ahead with the development of alternative energy. At yesterday’s council of Ministers press briefing he indicated that there are plans to replace conventional street lights with energy saving LED light technology, to install solar panels on schools and to introduce net-meter legislation that will allow citizens switching to solar to receive compensation from utilities company Gebe for  pumping their electricity into the grid.

Marlin addresses the situation that arose with utilities company Gebe over its responsibility for street lights. “The responsibility for the maintenance of street lights rests with Gebe,” Marlin said. “but what does that entail? Gebe said that it does not mind taking the responsibility, but at the same time it asked: who is going to pay for it? That is the main reason why street lights are dropping out. Now every night people wonder how many lights will remain standing.”

Some street lights are working during the day and they are off at night. “It is ridiculous,” Marlin said. Some areas have become so dark at night that it is very dangerous.”

The minister said that a proposal will be discussed with Gebe this week.   Part of the discussion will be about replacing conventional street lights with LED lights. “That will bring about a drop in electricity consumption. The lighting is better and the LEDs have a longer life,” Marlin said. “The problems we are encountering now probably come at a good time. It gives us the opportunity to replace not working lights immediately with LEDs.”

The minister said that he has an offer from one company, and that he is looking for a party that will bring its own financing. “Rather than buying several millions of dollars worth of lights, we’re looking at financing the purchase from the savings we will realize.”

Marlin furthermore announced “the introduction of solar to St. Maarten and the finalization of legislation for net metering. “People who install solar panels and generate electricity that will be pumped in to Gebe’s grid will get compensation from Gebe for this. We are on the same page with the Gebe director about alternative energy.”

“The time has come to tackle alternative energy,” the minister continued. “Not just talking about it, but really implementing it.  Within a week we will launch an educational project that offers an opportunity to schools and the public to learn how solar works. The government will lead by example. Our schools have extensive roofs and they lend themselves for the placement of solar panels. The amount of electricity the schools are using is frightening.”

Marlin said that air conditioning systems would be replaced with energy saving inverter systems and that lights in the schools will also be replaced with LEDs. “Altogether this will reduce the need for Gebe to invest in engines that run on heavy fuel for the electricity production,” he said.