The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is urging lawmakers to strengthen the draft Electricity Act, saying the proposed reforms fall short of the island’s climate ambitions and could stall private investment in clean energy.

In a statement Wednesday, the association welcomed government efforts to modernise the energy sector but called for clearer targets and more flexible rules to support renewable adoption, especially within the tourism industry.

“As one of Saint Lucia’s largest employers and foreign exchange earners, our hospitality sector is ready to play a leading role in advancing the country’s transition to renewable energy,” said SLHTA chief executive Noorani Azeez. “But to do so, we need a legislative framework that reflects today’s realities and tomorrow’s technologies.”

The bill, which is still awaiting parliamentary approval, aims to open electricity generation to independent producers using solar, wind and other clean sources, while keeping the national grid under the control of Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC).

But the SLHTA says the draft law lacks binding renewable energy targets aligned with Saint Lucia’s 2030 and 2035 goals. It also flags restrictions on self-generation that discourage hotel and business investment in rooftop solar, and notes the absence of legal provisions for battery storage and smart-grid technologies.

Other gaps include limited support for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and weak links between energy policy and climate resilience.

The group is recommending a tiered framework that would allow higher self-generation limits for businesses investing in storage and smart tech. It also wants lawmakers to set clear renewable targets, establish rules for EV integration, and mandate grid upgrades tied to climate adaptation.

“Energy is one of the largest operating costs for our members,” Azeez said. “A modern Electricity Act will allow businesses to lower long-term costs, improve resilience, and meet the sustainability expectations of our international visitors.”

A second reading of the bill was deferred last week. Infrastructure Minister Stephenson King told parliament the delay was in response to stakeholder requests for more time to review the complex legislation.