CUC must find alternatives

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Your Editorial for 29 July, ‘Forget wind power, go solar’, highlights the good news that Caribbean Utilities Company is considering alternative measures to generate electricity for Cayman.

I applaud CUC for taking this step. There is a desperate need to pursue alternative sources of energy that are more cost–effective, cleaner and environmentally friendly than fossil fuels.

The oil producing countries and the oil companies have been reaping record profits while Cayman and other consumer countries struggle to pay huge electricity bills and purchase expensive fuel for our vehicles.

Wind power is renewable energy that is clean, economical and a good alternative to fossil fuels.

That’s the upside.

The downside is the noise wind turbines generate and the danger to wildlife, especially birds that may fly into the moving blades. There are those who regard wind turbines as somewhat unsightly. It should also be noted that there must be adequate average wind speed to keep the turbines working.

In all this, we must remember this is an imperfect world. There are downsides to most given situations. The main objective is to find and use the best alternative to the ever increasing price of fossil fuels.

CUC must also give active consideration to solar power, which is an excellent source of energy that has gained much popularity in the USA and Europe. Solar power is regarded as one the most affordable means of clean and renewable energy today.

I join with your editorial in imploring CUC and Government to get together and allow homeowners and businesses to invest in solar power. The need is urgent, the benefits are tremendous.  

Geoff Daniels  

New York