RESIDENTS in hinterland communities benefitting from Government-funded renewable energy projects will soon see lower electricity costs as savings generated through reduced fossil fuel consumption are passed directly on to consumers, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has said.
Addressing the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, the Prime Minister said President Dr Irfaan Ali has directed that the financial benefits realised through renewable energy investments must be shared with residents in the communities where the projects are implemented.
“We do not only come here and announce that we save so many thousands of barrels of fuel, which is equivalent to so many millions of dollars every year,” Phillips said.
“Our President has directed that we do the analysis to ensure that every member of those communities who is paying a light bill pays lower rates.”
He explained that the initiative has already been implemented in Mahdia and is now being expanded to other renewable energy communities, including those in Region Two, with similar measures to follow wherever Government investments reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The Prime Minister said the move reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that hinterland communities benefit directly from the country’s transition to cleaner energy under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Phillips highlighted a number of renewable energy initiatives already completed across the hinterland, including the distribution of solar home systems to approximately 37,000 households, the installation of community solar projects, utility-scale solar systems, and the construction of two mini-hydropower facilities in Region Nine.
He assured village leaders that these projects are only the beginning of a broader programme of investments aimed at improving the quality of life in Indigenous communities.
Beyond infrastructure, Phillips underscored the importance of building local capacity to manage and maintain the systems being installed.
He noted that residents have been receiving training in information and communications technology (ICT) and basic equipment maintenance, enabling communities to independently operate ICT hubs, Starlink connectivity and renewable energy systems.
The Prime Minister also commended village leaders for encouraging women to participate in the technical training programmes.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to equitable development, Phillips said the administration remains focused on ensuring that the same level of progress taking place on the coastland is extended to every hinterland community.
“You have a Government that is working with you and your community to improve the lives and livelihoods of your community… as we seek to develop the whole of Guyana through this One Guyana approach,” he said.
