Cost has always been cited as the restrictive factor when considering alternative forms of energy, but Hurricane Beryl, and all she brought, should have more Jamaicans keen on embracing these.

No bigger sales pitch is needed than those Jamaicans who have experienced countless days and nights without electricity since the hurricane’s passing on July 3, and the subsequent struggles to stay powered.

Smart energy has been pushed by friends of the environment for aeons, and Jamaica has been slowly recognising its merit.

In March, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that National Housing Trust contributors would be able to access a new loan product for smart home energy solutions — for solar panels and batteries; solar water heaters; solar insulation; and other renewable energy technology such as windmills, hydropower and biomass.

It’s a good start for an island that has really been slow to embrace the alternative energy sources freely available year round in the form of solar, wind and hydro energy.

In the wake of Beryl, which left thousands without power, the urgency of rethinking our energy strategy has never been more apparent. This natural disaster underscored the vulnerability of the island’s energy infrastructure, and the pressing need for a more resilient and sustainable solution.

Embracing alternative energy is not just an environmentally friendly choice, but a strategic move towards energy security and economic stability.

One of the most compelling merits of solar energy, for example, is its reliability and resilience. Unlike traditional power grids, which can be severely disrupted by storms, solar panels can continue to generate electricity as long as there is sunlight. Even during a hurricane, when cloud cover might reduce efficiency, solar systems equipped with battery storage can ensure that essential services remain powered. This resilience is invaluable in countries prone to natural disasters.

By harnessing this natural resource, Jamaica can significantly reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and channel these resources to other critical areas.

Indeed, though pricey, the initial costs of solar installations are rapidly decreasing, and the long-term savings from reduced energy bills and maintenance costs make solar a financially prudent choice.

We understand that to fully realise the potential of alternative energy, supportive policies and investments are essential, and these have to go beyond the energy loans now offered. Government can play a pivotal role by cutting the bureaucracy around acquiring these loans, offering more incentives for installations, streamlining regulatory processes, and investing in research and development to improve alternative energy technologies.

Embracing alternative energy in Jamaica is not just an option now; it is a necessity. Beryl has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the current system, and it is imperative that we build a more resilient, sustainable, and economically viable energy infrastructure.

By investing in alternative energy power systems, Jamaica can turn the challenge of frequent natural disasters into an opportunity for transformative progress.