Utilities of Grenada

Power

All of Grenada’s electricity is supplied by Grenada Electricty Ltd (GRENLAC), which is ten per cent government owned with the other 90 per cent owned by shareholders from around the world, including WRB Enterprises of Tampa, Florida, which owns a significant stake. This has created a monopoly situation – with electricity prices among the highest in the world – that the government is keen to bring to an end. In May 2013, the Mitchell-led government announced its intention to liberalise the energy sector by buying back GRENLAC shares in order to update legislation and liberalise the market. The shares will then be sold on. The government intends to introduce a more competitive energy sector, encouraging public–private partnerships, self generation and private power providers, with a strong focus on renewables – particularly solar, wind and geothermal energy generation.

The government signed a memorandum of understanding with both GRENLAC and Shell/Texaco for continuity of electricity and fuel supplies in a disaster situation, following the hurricane the devastated the island in 2004.

Water

The state-owned National Water and Sewerage Authority is in charge of Grenada’s water supply. While most households have their own piped water supply, some people still use community standpipes. Two villages do not have piped water, using treated spring water in the wet season and government water trucks in the dry season.

Telecoms

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (Grenada) oversees the regulation of the telecommunications market, which was liberalised in 2000 following the Telecommunications Act 31. The commission ensures fair and competitive practices by telecommunications providers. The major players in the market are Digicel, Cable and Wireless (LIME), Southern Caribbean Fiber and Columbus Communications (FLOW).