Kingston, Jamaica: The upcoming 20th Annual Conference of the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) promises to be a vibrant and impactful event that will provide a roadmap for future regional utilities regulation.
Taking place from October 26 to 29, 2025, at the Jewel Grande Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the conference is being hosted by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR). The gathering of leading utility regulators, policymakers, industry professionals, and experts from across the Caribbean and North America will spotlight two of the most critical challenges shaping the future of utility services in the region: the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change.
This keynote event also comes at a pivotal time as the country prepares to renegotiate the license agreement for the operators of its sole energy distributor, Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS), while pursuing plans to diversify energy sources through increased investment in renewables and possibly nuclear power.
AI and Climate Change at the Forefront
The conference theme, “Navigating Caribbean Regulatory Challenges: Opportunities, Innovations and Collaborations,” places special emphasis on how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are revolutionizing utility regulation and management. Discussions will explore AI’s potential to optimize energy grids, improve water management, strengthen cybersecurity, and enhance customer service. Concurrently, climate change remains a pressing concern, with sessions dedicated to building climate resilience in utility infrastructure, promoting the adoption of renewable energy, and addressing water scarcity issues exacerbated by changing weather patterns.
By addressing AI and climate change, the event underscores the potential of innovative policies and collaboration to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable services in a rapidly evolving energy and environmental landscape. The conference establishes the framework for utility regulators, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to participate in this vital conversation.
“The theme is a deliberate call-to-action. Caribbean regulators are facing a perfect storm: small island economies, climate vulnerability, fiscal pressure exacerbated by the pandemic, and technology moving faster than local policy and legislation,” explained Dr. Marsha Atherley-Ikechi, Executive Director of OOCUR.
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“The theme is a strategic map for the next decade of Caribbean utilities regulation,” she added, pointing out that “the conference’s focus on sustainable water technologies, digital transformation, and renewable energy transitions addresses issues that will define the Caribbean’s future.”
OOCUR Chairman and Director General of the OUR, Mr. Ansord Hewitt, underscored that “the Caribbean is undergoing rapid transformation in key utility sectors (so) the conference theme highlights the pressing need to adapt regulatory frameworks to address these evolving challenges while harnessing innovation and fostering partnerships”. Mr. Hewitt added: “Ultimately, these engagements lead to better practices and innovation as we continue to push to enhance the quality of services which people rely on every day, such as providing electricity that’s affordable and reliable and water that’s safe and accessible.”
Keynote Insights
Mr. David Morton, Chair of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER), will deliver the keynote address, sharing global insights on leveraging technology and regulatory frameworks to meet the dual challenges of climate change and digital transformation. —30—
Contact: OUR’s Public Affairs Unit – publicaffairs@our.org.jm or 876-968-6053
