| The electricity cost to operate the Princess Alexandra Hospital, which exceeds one million East Caribbean dollars a year, is expected to show an appreciable measure of reduction with the installation of a pilot solar energy system. |
The five kilowatt system, comprising 24 solar panels on the roof of the building, is a gift from the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC). General Manager, Thomas Hodge, said it was the first integrated renewable energy project on Anguilla. “Although the solar project is a small one, it represents an important step in the right direction,” Mr. Hodge said at the handing over ceremony on Monday, October 10. “It is capable of reducing the electricity consumption at the hospital. This project is a demonstration that it is intended to show what can be achieved with the renewable energy resources that we have on Anguilla.”
Mr. Hodge was grateful to ANGLEC’s team, the contractors and the technical staff at the hospital for working together to integrate the solar system almost seamlessly. “It is now my pleasure to handover this 5,400-watt solar energy plant to the Princess Alexandra Hospital,” he added. He told reporters that the overall cost of the project was in the region of EC$70,000. He estimated that over the first five days of its operation there was a saving of close to $500. He pointed out that it was still too early to determine the actual figures, but there would be significant savings in the course of time.
Acting CEO of the Health Authority of Anguilla, Ralph Hodge, hailed the handing over of the solar energy project as a meaningful partnership between two public sector bodies, each having a significant role to play in ensuring a viable Anguillian economy and the prosperity of the island’s people. “This gesture of the installation of a solar panel system, to reduce the electricity bill of the Health Authority, shows ANGLEC’s commitment as a good corporate citizen…contributing to our nation’s health,” he said. “The organisation’s management is fully aware of the difficult financial times not only affecting the Health Authority and Anguilla, but throughout the region and the entire world. It also realisesthat a fuel bill of over one million dollars must present a challenge on our very limited financial resources. “As the hospital continues to expand its machinery stock to provide greater services for the people of Anguilla, it could be reasonably assumed that the organisation’s bill will continue to increase. The Health Authority’s management is indeed very grateful for the reduction that will be derived from the installation of the solar panel system. ANGLEC has always been a reliable partner assisting the Health Authority whenever the need arises, and our management is truly grateful for the assistance the company has been willing to provide and continue to provide when there is a real need.” Chairman of the Health Authority Board, Dr. Franklin Lloyd, said he had inquired of ANGLEC’s General Manager whether the company could sponsor mammogram equipment for the hospital. He stated, however, that rather than purchasing equipment to raise electricity cost, Mr. Hodge decided to donate a solar system to save money. “We give thanks to ANGLEC for holding true to its commitment and for providing the hospital with solar panels that have already been installed. The hospital will start reaping the rewards at the end of this month when the hospital bill is presented.” The presentation ceremony was chaired by Clavis Carter-Gumbs, Chief Operations Officer with the Health Authority. She delivered the opening and closing remarks and gave the Vote of Thanks. |
