SLHTA Calls for Stronger Renewable Energy Provisions in Proposed Electricity Act
(Castries, Saint Lucia – August 27, 2025) — The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has welcomed Government’s efforts to reform the island’s energy sector through the proposed Electricity Act (2024) and accompanying regulations. At the same time, the Association is urging that the legislation be strengthened to fully support Saint Lucia’s climate goals and unlock private-sector investment in clean energy.
“As one of Saint Lucia’s largest employers and foreign exchange earners, our hospitality sector is ready to play a leading role in advancing the country’s transition to renewable energy,” said SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez. “But to do so, we need a legislative framework that reflects today’s realities and tomorrow’s technologies.”
The SLHTA continues to highlight several areas where the draft Act falls short of national priorities under Saint Lucia’s Climate Change Act (2024) and Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). These include:
- No binding renewable energy targets to match Saint Lucia’s 2030 and 2035 commitments;
- Restrictive self-generation caps that limit hotels and businesses from investing in rooftop solar and storage;
- Lack of legal provisions for battery storage, smart inverters, and export controls that support grid stability;
- No recognition of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, or vehicle-to-grid systems;
- Weak linkage between energy legislation and climate resilience or emission-reduction obligations.
SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez
The Association is recommending that the Government adopt a tiered self-generation framework, with higher capacity allowances for hotels and businesses that integrate storage and smart technologies. The SLHTA also calls for the Act to enshrine renewable energy targets, establish rules for EV integration, and include mandates for smart grid modernization and climate resilience.
“Energy is one of the largest operating costs for our members. A modern Electricity Act will allow businesses to lower long-term costs, improve resilience, and meet the sustainability expectations of our international visitors,” Azeez continued. “The SLHTA looks forward to collaborating with the Government, St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited and regulators to create a future-ready energy system that benefits all Saint Lucians.”
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