BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Jul. 25, CMC  – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a loan of US$6.2 million  to the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC) to meet the growing electricity demand on the island.

The Seventh Power Project aims to improve the capacity and reliability of ANGLEC’s power-generating system.

“This Project will allow ANGLEC to provide a reliable and quality supply of electricity for its customers. This additional capacity is especially critical in light of Anguilla’s dependence on the tourism sector, the sustainability and growth of which is closely linked to electricity supply,” said  L. O’Reilly Lewis, the Division Chief of Economic Infrastructure Division at the CDB.

The Project will comprise the extension of the existing building at the Corito Power Station to accommodate two additional engines, and the installation of 5.1 MW diesel and/or propane generating plant. In addition to financing from CDB, the initiative will be supported by a contribution of USD2.8 million from ANGLEC.

Between 2001 and 2011, Anguilla experienced a 12.8 percent increase in population, with an associated 1,148 increase in the number of households. This, coupled with the continuous growth in demand for electricity and the retirement of several aging diesel sets at the Corito Power Station over the next three years, has resulted in the need for additional generating capacity to meet anticipated peak demand.

The Project aligns with Bank’s Strategic Plan 2015-2019 and Energy Sector Policy and Strategy in which it highlights promoting infrastructure to provide an affordable, clean, sustainable and reliable energy supply.

The initiative also supports the Government of Anguilla’s progress on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7, which is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.