PalisadeCE makes energy affordable
Published:Friday | July 4, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer
With the high cost of electricity, many Jamaicans are trying to find alternative ways to conserve energy. But there are also persons in some parts of the island who do not have access to electricity and continue to use archaic methods for lighting.
Palisade Clean Energy (CE) Jamaica Limited, a subsidiary of the PalisadeCE Group based in Orlando, Florida, now has a viable alternative to these energy issues. The company now has exclusive distributorship for Barefoot Power Products in Jamaica and some parts of the Caribbean.
Barefoot Power products are affordable, safe and healthy alternatives to lighting and phone-charging that assist people in developing countries to access affordable renewable energy with the aim of reducing poverty and creating new markets.
According to Sophia Harris-Lau, managing director of PalisadeCE Jamaica, the Barefoot Power products have been a proven source especially for persons who live in rural areas and have issues relating to reliability and affordability of electricity.
"Jamaica's cost of electricity is very high and we are making sure that the product is affordable. These types of products are exempt from General Consumption Tax (GCT) and custom charges," Harris-Lau said.
Used by millions worldwide
Designed in Australia, the products provide durable, convenient and reliable lighting and charging solutions for households and businesses without reliable access to electricity, at affordable prices. The products have provided light to two million people in 22 countries.
"We have seen what these products have done and the impact they have had, especially on persons living in rural communities. There are many potential benefits so we are introducing them to the market," Harris-Lau said.
With extensive experience in import and export businesses in Jamaica, as well as business development and marketing expertise focusing on goods for middle and lower-income consumers, Harris-Lau told The Gleaner that, initially, they will start with the distribution of three products. However, the speed at which they expand will depend on funding.
"These products are solar-powered and the customer pays for it one time," Harris-Lau said.
"The long-term vision is an alternative energy company that would assemble products in Jamaica, manufactured on behalf of Barefoot Power in China. This approach is deemed strategic because of the proximity to major markets in the Latin American and Caribbean region, available skills, a push for special economic zones, and the new focus on energy conservation and renewable energy," Harris-Lau said.
PalisadeCE marks the first early-stage investment in the Caribbean from the Keystone Augusta Group, a Florida-based private investment firm founded by brothers David and Robert Mullings. PalisadeCE Group will commence operations in Jamaica on July 1. For further information, visit their website at www.palisadece.com.