URCA Bahamas

28/04/2026

Did you know?
Individual Energy Efficiency can lower national costs

National policy highlights energy efficiency and conservation as a key focus, including improving efficiency across the sector. Using less energy for the same services reduces waste and system pressure.

27/04/2026

Understanding the Election Period

For a general election, the election period begins with the dissolution of Parliament and ends with the close of the poll. That timing matters because different rules apply once the official election period begins.

Understanding the election period helps the public better understand when certain political advertisements and broadcasts may be aired.

24/04/2026

Fair Access to Paid Airtime

During the election period, broadcasters must not discriminate against any candidate, political party, person, or entity when making broadcasting time available for political advertisements and political broadcasts. They also must not give unfair preference or subject anyone to prejudice or bias.

This is an important fairness rule in the Code.

The goal is not to control politics. The goal is to ensure that access to paid political airtime is not handled in a biased way.

22/04/2026

Basic safety saves lives:
- avoid overloaded outlets
- replace damaged cords
- keep water away from appliances
- report hazards quickly

21/04/2026

Understanding the complaints process

If you have a service concern, start by documenting the issue and following the provider’s complaint process first. Escalation pathways matter most when you have dates, details, and clear outcomes requested.

15/04/2026

🎙️ Meet the Guest – Episode 37

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mrs. Michelle Grell-Bereaux 🌟 from URCA Bahamas. From guidance to empowerment, this episode will highlight how mentorship can open doors, build confidence, and shape the future of girls and women in technology across the Caribbean.

📅 Don’t miss this meaningful discussion, be part of the movement to inspire the next generation!
NTRC Dominica NTRC.lc NTRC SVG Caribbean Telecommunications Union ITU

13/04/2026

URCA’s 5G work is progressing through a phased process designed to support informed decision-making and future readiness. Its third consultation outlines detailed proposals for the 5G regulatory framework, including spectrum, licensing, rollout, resilience, and security. Public and stakeholder engagement remains an important part of the process.

10/04/2026

Political debate matters in a democracy.

URCA’s Code recognises that advocacy, strong opinions, and robust debate are a desirable and essential part of democratic life in The Bahamas. At the same time, election-related broadcasting still operates within clear standards designed to protect fairness and transparency.
Strong debate can exist alongside responsible broadcasting.

That balance helps support both freedom of expression and public trust.

09/04/2026

URCA has issued a Public Notice reminding broadcast licensees of their obligations for political broadcasts, political advertisements, and election-related content ahead of the General Election on 12 May 2026.

The notice highlights important rules on polling day restrictions, candidate appearances, identification of political content, balanced reporting, election opinion surveys, and online content under editorial control.

Broadcast licensees are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and ensure compliance throughout the election period.

Read the full Public Notice on our website: https://urcabahamas.bs/publications/urca-issues-public-notice-on-political-broadcasts-and-political-advertisements-ahead-of-the-2026-general-election/

09/04/2026

As The Bahamas officially enters election season, it is important for the public to understand the difference between the types of political content that may appear on radio and television.

Under URCA’s Code, a political advertisement is paid content intended to advance the interests of a political party or candidate.

A political broadcast can also include programming that encourages voters to support or oppose a party, candidate, or issue associated with them.

Being able to tell what kind of content you are hearing or seeing is part of being an informed voter.

For more info, read up on Part 6 of the Revised Code of Practice for Content Regulation: https://urcabahamas.bs/publications/code-of-practice-for-content-regulation-revised-2024/

08/04/2026

Each year URCA publishes it's Annual Report and Plan. Have you ever wondered what they are?

URCA’s Annual Plan outlines the Authority’s strategic focus areas and planned workstreams. It is what URCA intends to deliver in the year ahead, and how we will pursue our objectives across the sectors we regulate.

URCA’s Annual Report looks back on the year completed. It summarizes key activities, outcomes, and performance to support transparency and public accountability.

Follow URCA for updates on consultations, priorities, and progress throughout the year.

31/03/2026

URCA Issues Notice of Proposed Change in Control of Grand Bahama Power Company
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is inviting public comment on a proposed change in control of Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC).

The consultation follows notice of a transaction that would result in Grand Bahama Energy Company acquiring all of the issued ordinary shares of GBPC.

URCA is seeking views from the public and other interested persons as it considers whether the proposed change could lessen competition or be contrary to the public interest.

Written representations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday 01 May 2026, either by hand addressed to the Director of Energy and Utilities, to URCA’s office at Frederick House, Frederick Street, Nassau, Bahamas or by email to [email protected].

The official notice can be found here:

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is inviting public comment on a proposed change in control of Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC). The consultation follows notice of a trans…