For Bahamians, hurricane season isn’t just a calendar event; it’s a six-month period of heightened anxiety and preparation, a time when the ever-present threat of a major storm can upend daily life in an instant. While the entire country is vulnerable, the experience of a hurricane is often defined by a single, critical factor: the power grid. Past hurricane seasons have demonstrated a painful truth: a severe storm in The Bahamas almost guarantees widespread and prolonged power outages, creating a cascade of challenges for residents.
The devastating impact of hurricanes on the country’s infrastructure is not a new phenomenon. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew, a Category 3 and 4 storm, caused widespread damage. Less than a year later, Hurricane Irma tore through the country as a Category 4, leaving many smaller islands uninhabitable and electric grids in tatters. The most catastrophic example, however, is Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Tying the record for the highest wind speeds of an Atlantic hurricane at landfall, Dorian stalled over the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama, flattening most structures and destroying the power grid. The storm’s fury was so intense that it was responsible for more than half of the damage and losses across the country’s infrastructure, with the power sector alone accounting for over half of that infrastructure damage.
For Bahamians, these power outages are more than an inconvenience; they are a direct threat to safety, health, and economic stability. Without electricity, critical services fail. Hospitals and clinics struggle to operate, making it difficult to care for the injured and ill. Communications infrastructure is often completely wiped out, isolating communities and complicating search and rescue efforts. For many, even finding friends and family becomes an impossible task. The reliance on gas generators for relief efforts can lead to fuel rationing, adding another layer of difficulty and expense.
The financial toll on individuals is also significant. Many Bahamians already face some of the highest power costs in the world, and frequent outages, even during a regular storm, can damage expensive appliances. During a major hurricane, the economic impact is far more profound. The country’s tourism-dependent economy, its main engine of growth, is hit hard as hotels and other businesses are forced to shut down. This, in turn, affects the livelihoods of thousands of people, from those working directly in the tourism sector to those in related industries.
In the face of these challenges, there is a growing push for greater resilience in the country’s power infrastructure. The Bahamas Power and Light Company (BPL) has a year-round commitment to hurricane preparedness, but a more fundamental shift is underway. The success of hurricane-resilient microgrids, which are small, self-contained power systems often using renewable energy, is being explored. The Ragged Island microgrid, which was built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, serves as a model for other islands. These systems can keep critical services like hurricane shelters, clinics, and government offices online during and after a storm, and can even lower the cost of electricity in the long run.
Ultimately, the past hurricane seasons have served as a harsh but vital teacher for The Bahamas. They have highlighted the urgent need to move away from a fragile, centralized power grid and toward a more decentralized, resilient, and sustainable energy future. For Bahamians, this transition is not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about building a safer, more stable, and more secure future in a world of increasingly severe weather events.
My Energy strives to be part of the solution for Bahamians throughout hurricane season and beyond. Let us show you how we can help you reach true energy resilience and independence. Speak to one of our experts today!