SLHTA and LUCELEC discuss Global Energy Volatility
(Castries, Saint Lucia – April 20th 2026)- Amid ongoing global conflicts and their potential implications for fuel prices, electricity costs, and the wider operating environment for businesses in Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) convened a meeting on Friday, April 17, 2026.
The meeting, held at the LUCELEC Administrative Building in Sans Souci, was attended by senior representatives of both organisations.
For the tourism and hospitality sector in particular, fluctuations in energy prices impact all aspects of operations — from air-conditioning and refrigeration to food production, laundry, water pumping and transportation. Beyond operations, rising fuel costs can influence airline pricing, traveller confidence, and overall spending patterns.
The meeting provided both organisations with an opportunity to assess the potential domestic implications and to explore practical areas of collaboration. Discussions were productive, with both parties agreeing that there are opportunities for near-term improvements in energy use and efficiency. Strengthening collaboration between LUCELEC and the private sector was also identified as a priority. This would require the appropriate regulatory and policy framework, and is seen as important in reducing Saint Lucia’s long-term exposure to imported fuel shocks.
SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez said, “The impact of global energy trends on our sector is very real. Rising costs can erode margins, place upward pressure on prices and reduce the sector’s ability to remain competitive. And so, we are grateful to LUCELEC for the timely engagement on Friday. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and working collaboratively toward solutions that protect both the tourism sector and Saint Lucians as a whole.”
Friday’s meeting with LUCELEC builds on recommendations the Association submitted to the Government of Saint Lucia in October 2025 on the draft Electricity Bill.
Among the key recommendations, the SLHTA advocated for the following:
- The right of households and businesses to generate, store and consume their own electricity
- Easing approval processes
- Introducing a tiered licensing framework
- Introducing incentives to empower businesses, especially smaller ones, to invest in renewable systems
- The creation of a Renewable Energy Enhancement Fund, to be financed by fossil fuel levies, climate finance, and carbon credit revenues. This fund would channel resources into community microgrids, small hotel systems, and low-income households, while also supporting electric vehicle charging Infrastructure and green innovation by local start-ups
- Ensuring competitive neutrality in the procurement of new renewable generation
- Accelerating the development of smart grids and storage technologies
- Fostering a win-win framework that balances the interests of LUCELEC, consumers and independent producers
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