EDF wishes to support Saint-Martin in its reconstruction

President Daniel Gibbs received in community, Saturday October 14, 2017, the Chairman and CEO of the EDF Group, Mr. Jean-Bernard Levy and his delegation, in the presence of the Prefect Anne Laubies, in order to discuss support for EDF in the territory concerning the rehabilitation of electricity networks.
In the preamble, President Levy indicated to President Gibbs that the deployment of exceptional resources by EDF in the territory had made it possible to act quickly and restore the electricity in all Saint-Martin homes.
In addition to field logistics provided by around 250 technicians, EDF intends to support the community over the long term, with regard to the modernization of networks and the rehabilitation of public lighting. There is in fact the network development and electrification fund to which the community is eligible and which would allow it to finance 80% of the reconstruction work by establishing a reconstruction program in the “Bad weather” line.
As such, President Gibbs specified that he wanted on the one hand to accelerate the undergrounding of electrical networks throughout the territory, and on the other hand to standardize public lighting by focusing his priorities on energy saving for public spending. A redeployment plan using LED lighting and new technologies in this area would allow the community to save 20 to 30% on its annual bill. The question of the development of renewable energies in the territory was also raised, in particular the deployment of photovoltaic (solar) energy.
In favor of the development of clean energies, President Gibbs indicated that he wanted photovoltaics a measured deployment taking into account the smallness of the territory. The President also wants studies to be carried out on the potential of energy drawn from biomass and biogas, as well as marine wind power which could be an alternative solution. Or sustainable solutions adapting to the needs of the territory, provided that they are controlled and sized appropriately.
These discussions will continue with EDF in the weeks to come, with President Gibbs being in favor of a move towards clean energies for the benefit of the protection of our environment and a better service provided to the population.