Energy

The Ports Authority Turks and Caicos (PATCI) has implemented rigorous new safety requirements for all bulk fuel tanks entering its ports, effective immediately. Announced on September 29, 2026, these regulations follow a safety investigation at South Dock, Providenciales, and strictly prohibit any loaded tanks that fail to meet international design standards. Under the updated policy, all LPG transport tanks must feature double-walled construction, protective framing, and permanently affixed data plates listing capacity and inspection dates. Operators using standards outside accepted international codes, such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, must provide full documentation and engineering certification for review. The authority stated, “Safety is our highest priority.” This initiative follows a June 16, 2026, fire involving an LPG container at South Dock that resulted in one injury. Empty tanks currently in the Turks and Caicos Islands that do not meet these new requirements can only be exported with written permission from PATCI management. The authority warns that failure to adhere to these directives will lead to operational delays at the port. Shipping agents and stakeholders seeking technical specifications or submission guidelines must contact the PATCI Marine and Safety Division directly for further assistance.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has released official fuel reports covering the periods of September 1–7, 2026, and September 15, 2026. These documents provide transparency regarding local fuel consumption and pricing data for the public. Interested parties can access these reports by visiting the official government website at gov.tc.

Pelican Energy TCI has applied to extend its public supplier’s licence for Grand Turk and Salt Cay under the Electricity Act, which allows applications within ten years of a licence’s expiry. The company says the eligibility window has opened and it will seek extensions for remaining licences as they qualify. The application is under statutory review and subject to regulatory and governmental processes. A competitive tender for diesel fuel supply, storage and handling is underway with multiple local and international bidders; the request for proposals was advertised on the company’s website and in local newspapers. Pelican Energy TCI also applied to build a 10-megawatt solar farm, battery energy storage system and microgrid, advertised through the Government’s Physical Planning review. It said government engagement uses formal channels, not personal or familial relationships. Any future licence will remain subject to the regulatory framework, licence conditions and oversight. Pelican says spreading infrastructure costs over a longer period can support more stable electricity costs and improve access to financing for renewable energy, battery storage, grid upgrades and resilience. The fuel arrangement will be decided through competitive evaluation based on customers’ and TCI best interests.

The Turks and Caicos Islands September Fuel Report 2026 has been published, dated 15 September 2026. It appears under the Fuel Reports quick link. The page also links to Breadbasket Reports and Consumer Educational Videos. Enquiries: tradetci@gov.tc or (649) 338-3703.

Six college and university students presented research on pressing energy challenges during Pelican Energy TCI’s sixth annual Youth Energy Roundtable in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The gathering took place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the company's headquarters as the capstone event of its Summer Student Employment Program (SSEP). Participants shifted from a public showcase to delivering technical presentations directly to energy professionals. Jermaine Williams and Jo-Dayne Tyson examined grid stability and cost-shifting risks from unregulated solar systems. Gabriel Lafleur and Kirk Dixon addressed how utility licensing supports long-term infrastructure and moderates rate increases, while Alexander Been and Khouri Swann analysed fuel import vulnerabilities and renewable transitions. Pelican Energy TCI President Devon Cox also took part in an ask-me-anything session covering leadership and the energy sector. The event marked the end of several weeks of professional development and hands-on training for the interns. President Devon Cox noted that the students showed that when given the chance, "they rise to the occasion and deliver outstanding results."

Six college and university students presented research on the territory's energy future at Pelican Energy TCI's sixth annual Youth Energy Roundtable on August 13, 2026, in Providenciales. Alexander Been, Jermaine Williams, Jo-Dayne Tyson, Gabriel Lafleur, Khouri Swann and Kirk Dixon addressed an audience of energy professionals on solar integration, licensing models and energy security. Williams and Tyson warned that unregulated growth in independent solar could strain the electricity grid and shift costs onto non-solar customers without updated standards and battery storage. Lafleur and Dixon argued that long-term utility licenses help match the lifespan of major infrastructure investments, while Been and Swann outlined how shifting from imported fuels to renewables can reduce island vulnerability. The presentations concluded the company's Summer Student Employment Program, which provided several weeks of hands-on learning and professional development, alongside a direct question-and-answer session with Pelican Energy TCI President Devon Cox.

Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement, Hon. Douglas Parnell, announced on 3 September 2026 that Pelican Energy has applied to the Governor for a 50-year licence to generate and distribute electricity, initially in Grand Turk. Parnell warned that the proposed agreement would bind the Turks and Caicos Islands for two generations. Calling for transparency, the PDM urged the Governor and the Government to confirm receipt of the application, publish its proposed terms, and explain how it will be assessed. Hon. Parnell stated that the party opposes granting any utility licence of that duration without public consultation, independent reviews, and clear evidence of lower electricity costs.

Pelican Energy TCI gathered six tertiary students at its headquarters on Thursday, August 13, 2026, for its sixth annual Youth Energy Roundtable to examine major energy challenges facing the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event capped the company's Summer Student Employment Program (SSEP) by shifting from a public showcase to closed, research-based presentations before industry professionals. Jermaine Williams and Jo-Dayne Tyson presented on grid stability, solar expansion, and cost-shifting risks for non-solar consumers. Gabriel Lafleur and Kirk Dixon reviewed utility licensing models, explaining that long-term licenses help recover major infrastructure costs over time through rate smoothing. Alexander Been and Khouri Swann addressed fuel import vulnerabilities and the transition away from fossil fuels. The session concluded with an ask-me-anything discussion with Devon Cox, President at Pelican Energy TCI. The presentations ended several weeks of professional development and hands-on learning for the participants, who also questioned company leadership directly on energy careers and management.

Minister of Energy Hon. E Jay Saunders gave an update to the Turks and Caicos Islands on July 16, 2026, regarding government relief measures. The briefing addressed official steps being implemented to assist residents with increasing electricity costs.

Pelican Energy warned Grand Turk residents of higher bills during a Community Conversations meeting on July 9, 2026. The company linked the increases to fuel factor rates, conversion capacity, and the war between Iran and the United States. Pelican Energy President Devon Cox offered tips to lower bills, while attendees asked for transformer improvements, cheaper oil shipping, and appliance reimbursements following power outages. Citing instability from the war, the company gave no timeline for when prices will decrease.