Unregistered sources of renewable energy threaten APUA and public safety, so Authority warns owners that it will be clamping down
Unregistered sources of renewable energy threaten APUA and public
safety, so Authority warns owners that it will be clamping down
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will be clamping down on
people who use sources of renewable energy that pose a safety risk.
Therefore, the Authority has issued a warning to owners of unregistered
renewable energy systems, while urging them to become compliant.
According to APUA, it is doubling up its efforts to ensure that all renewable-
energy systems comply with established policies, with a focus on safety and
the stability of the national energy grid.
The Authority notes that unregistered or improperly installed systems can
pose significant safety risks, especially during the hurricane season, where
power could be fed back onto the grid.
Hence, as part of its Renewable Energy Compliance Campaign, APUA will focus
on two key areas: grid stability and safety, which will protect technicians and
the public, particularly during severe weather events.
APUA says its assessment has identified a number of unregistered systems,
including battery systems, which significantly compromise safety.
As a result, the owners of such systems are g urged to contact APUA’s
Customer Service Department to begin the registration process of their
system immediately.
Those who fail to comply may find themselves in legal jeopardy as the
Authority will take lawful measures to protect its employees, customers and
its grid stability.
The Authority, in July 2023, commenced an island-wide survey to ensure that
all renewable-energy systems align with its interconnection policy. “This
policy alignment is crucial for maintaining grid stability, as the variable output
of solar energy can affect voltage and frequency, impacting overall power
quality,” APUA explains.
Reportedly, these assessments indicate that the total capacity of these systems
has reached 10.23 megawatts of solar power.
