Pringle vows to scrap 5kW solar cap, accuses government of blocking citizens from going green
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says a United Progressive Party (UPP) government would overhaul the country’s renewable-energy rules by scrapping the current 5-kilowatt cap on household solar systems, removing taxes on green technology, and eliminating what he calls government-imposed “roadblocks” that are preventing residents from lowering their electricity costs.
Speaking during Monday’s Budget Debate, Pringle accused the government of limiting solar access while presenting itself internationally as a leader on climate change. He said the Prime Minister “positioned himself as the Green Champion of the Caribbean” but is presiding over rules that restrict homes and businesses from producing clean power.
Pringle criticized the cap set by the utility ministry, saying the limit prevents residents from meaningfully reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. “The member for St. John’s City East is currently limiting renewable energy deployment to a measly 5 kilowatts of solar system power,” he said. “Five kilowatts can barely run your dog house.”
He questioned why the government would call for global climate financing abroad while restricting solar generation at home. “Why is it that the Prime Minister and his Minister is blocking people from going green? Why is he stopping the homes and businesses from generating their own clean power? Why?”
Pringle said the UPP’s energy plan would reverse these restrictions immediately. “When we form the government, we will scrap that 5 kilowatt power,” he told Parliament. “We will allow citizens and residents to generate as much solar power as they want or need.”
He added that a UPP administration would take a different approach by making renewable energy easier and cheaper to adopt. “We will incentivize renewables,” Pringle said. “We will remove the red tape and roadblocks the Minister has put in place.” He also pledged: “We will remove, Mr. Speaker, all taxes…” on renewable-energy systems.
The Opposition Leader said the government cannot ask the world for climate-justice funding while limiting the ability of Antiguans and Barbudans to invest in clean energy at home. “Before you dance abroad,” he said, the government should “show the people of Antigua and Barbuda that you’re serious about climate change.”
Pringle argued that lifting the cap and incentivizing solar power would reduce electricity bills, expand household energy independence, and align national policy with the climate-resilient rhetoric frequently used by the administration.
The Budget Debate continues this week as government ministers prepare their responses.
