The growing number of air-conditioning units in homes is placing additional pressure on the BVI’s ageing electricity infrastructure, according to Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley.
Wheatley, who is also Minister for Health and Social Development, made the comments recently in the House of Assembly as he defended the Government’s decision to increase electricity rates for larger consumers.
He said rising global temperatures have prompted more households to rely on air conditioning.
“A lot of persons who didn’t have air conditioners two years ago have ACs now. Those who had one now have two,” Wheatley said.
He explained that the increased demand has placed “additional pressure” on the Territory’s ageing electricity network, which he said is being “stress-tested to the max”.
Wheatley argued that the BVI’s electricity and water challenges must also be viewed within a wider international crisis driven by global warming, changing rainfall patterns and extreme heat.
“Truth be told, the whole world is in crisis right now. Water problems are all over,” he said, pointing to challenges affecting the United Kingdom and other countries.
He said international conflicts and fluctuating fuel prices have also contributed to the significant rise in energy costs in the BVI over recent years.
Wheatley warned that higher energy prices affect the Territory’s overall development and increase the cost of almost every product and service.
“The minute your energy cost rises, every other cost rises also,” he said.
He noted that because the BVI imports between 80 and 90 per cent of its goods, rising energy costs mean the cost of bringing goods into the Territory will naturally increase.
Wheatley, who is also Minister for Health and Social Development, made the comments recently in the House of Assembly as he defended the Government’s decision to increase electricity rates for larger consumers.
He said rising global temperatures have prompted more households to rely on air conditioning.
“A lot of persons who didn’t have air conditioners two years ago have ACs now. Those who had one now have two,” Wheatley said.
He explained that the increased demand has placed “additional pressure” on the Territory’s ageing electricity network, which he said is being “stress-tested to the max”.
Wheatley argued that the BVI’s electricity and water challenges must also be viewed within a wider international crisis driven by global warming, changing rainfall patterns and extreme heat.
“Truth be told, the whole world is in crisis right now. Water problems are all over,” he said, pointing to challenges affecting the United Kingdom and other countries.
He said international conflicts and fluctuating fuel prices have also contributed to the significant rise in energy costs in the BVI over recent years.
Wheatley warned that higher energy prices affect the Territory’s overall development and increase the cost of almost every product and service.
“The minute your energy cost rises, every other cost rises also,” he said.
He noted that because the BVI imports between 80 and 90 per cent of its goods, rising energy costs mean the cost of bringing goods into the Territory will naturally increase.
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