The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will be making 110 power available to consumers beginning in 2026 until it is available to every consumer who wants it.
Utilities Minister, Melford Nicholas made the announcement at a news conference last Friday noting that he has been receiving feedback from the public asking that 110 power be accessible to power their homes and/or businesses.
The minister said he is aware that in many homes in the country the appliances are mainly sourced out of the United States and therefore require 110 volts to power these appliances.
“The system that is widely available now is the 220 power and in many homes, consumers are using step up transformers to provide the required power to these appliances. There are even cases where those who can afford it install one large transformer to convert their entire homes to 110 power. We want to end that! So, over the next few years, we will gradually do the conversion where 110 power will be available to all consumers,” he announced.
Minister Nicholas anticipates that the process may take between three to five years to complete adding that APUA is committed to bringing this project to completion.
He noted that some homes may need to do some re-wiring explaining that APUA will provide advice to consumers who wish to make the switch. He added that the current use of multiple transformers in the home is not only an additional cost in terms of electricity consumption, but could be a fire hazard particularly in wooden homes.
Electricity Business Manager at APUA, Andre Matthias, said the 220 power system is one of the legacies of the British colonial system which the country inherited. Formerly, most appliances came out of the UK, however, at present, most appliances in homes across Antigua and Barbuda come from the US or countries with 110 power and having this power source readily available to consumers will be beneficial for everyone.
He said APUA will probably put a team together to advice consumers on how best to make the switch. However, the team will only serve in an advisory capacity.
