Contenedor solar Grenada

Does Grenada get electricity from diesel?

(Picture: Martin Falbisoner) With abundant sunshine and three active volcanoes, the Caribbean islands that make up Grenada are perfect for solar and geothermal power. Yet, despite the government’s concern about climate change, they get nearly all their electricity from expensive and polluting diesel.

Why are Grenlec solar panels so expensive?

Grenlec also said that their fees are increasing because of the rise in the cost of fuel. As solar power costs dropped, rooftop panels could have been a cheap and clean alternative for Grenadians. But they had to get a licence from Grenlec and sell any excess electricity to them, or face up to six months in prison.

Why did Grenlec have a 'net metering' scheme?

The number of licences available was limited – to avoid overloading the grid at particular locations, according to WRB. Originally, surplus electricity from rooftop solar was sold to Grenlec through a “net metering” scheme, with a ten-year fixed price of $0.17 per kWh. But, Blanchard said, this was “very costly to the company”.

Are Grenada's governments desperate for a privatisation deal?

Speaking to Climate Home News, Grenada’s finance minister Gregory Bowen said successive governments were desperate to change this but had their hands tied by a privatisation deal made nearly 30 years ago.