Caribbean energy leaders and utility executives will gather in Nassau, The Bahamas, next year for the annual CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community Conference and Exhibition, organisers have announced. The event, scheduled for October 18 to 22, 2026, at the British Colonial Nassau, is expected to draw approximately 200 participants, including utility leaders, energy professionals, policymakers, regulators, development partners and solution providers from across the region.
The conference is organised by the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) in collaboration with co-hosts Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC). It will be held under the theme «Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition» and will focus on practical solutions to the Caribbean's most pressing energy challenges.
Discussions will cover renewable energy integration, battery energy storage, grid reliability and modernisation, geothermal energy, conventional generation, climate resilience, emerging technologies, and policy and regulatory reform. The organisers say the gathering is intended to accelerate progress toward more resilient, reliable and sustainable power systems across the region.
CARILEC's Executive Director, Dr Cletus Bertin, said regional collaboration is essential to advancing the Caribbean's energy transition. «CARILEC's role is to bring our energy community together to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and identify practical solutions to the challenges that continue to hinder progress,» he said. «Hosting CAREC 2026 in The Bahamas provides another important opportunity to connect regional expertise with local experiences and work collectively towards solutions that can accelerate the transition across our region.»
Mrs Toni B. Pratt, Chief Executive Officer of BPL, noted that The Bahamas continues to make significant strides toward its goal of 30 per cent renewable energy by 2030. «This conference provides an important opportunity to share best practices, exchange ideas and experiences, and highlight the progress being made across our islands as we advance our renewable energy roadmap,» she said. She added that BPL looks forward to fostering greater collaboration within the Caribbean energy sector and showcasing The Bahamas as the region works collectively toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Chief Operating Officer of GBPC, Mrs Nikita Mullings, said Grand Bahama continues to make meaningful progress in the renewable energy space, creating opportunities to integrate cleaner energy solutions while strengthening the reliability and resilience of its grid. «CAREC provides an important platform to share these experiences, exchange best practices and explore practical solutions around renewable integration, energy storage and grid modernization,» she said.
A major feature of CAREC 2026 will be the industry exhibition, showcasing renewable energy solutions, resilient and emerging technologies designed to support the Caribbean's evolving energy needs. Bahamian companies and solution providers are especially encouraged to exhibit, connect with regional stakeholders and showcase their expertise to the wider Caribbean energy community.
A special local registration rate of US$1,000 is available to Bahamian participants. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are also available. Registration and additional information can be obtained through the CARILEC website or by contacting the CARILEC Events Team.
