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Celebrating 60 Years
This year, Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. (CUC) proudly marks a historic milestone — our 60th anniversary. Since 1966, we have been honored to serve Grand Cayman, delivering safe and reliable energy while embracing innovation and sustainability at every step.
Over the past six decades, we have grown from humble beginnings into the reliable energy provider our customers are familiar with. Our journey has been defined by the dedication of our employees, the confidence of our customers, and the unwavering support of our partners and stakeholders. Together, we have built a foundation of resilience, reliability, and progress.
HISTORY
Timeline
1940s – 1950s
Before Public Electricity
Electricity in Grand Cayman was extremely limited. Power came primarily from small private generators, most famously the Hislop brothers’ town generator, which ran only in the evenings. In 1955, Captain Charles Colfelt established the Cayman Islands Public Service Company (CIPSCo), marking the first serious attempt at public electricity under private enterprise.
1960s
Government Interim Management and Formation of CUC
In 1961, the Cayman Islands Government stepped in and formed the Cayman Islands Government Electricity Undertaking (CIGEU) to keep power running. In 1966, the electricity utility was sold back to private enterprise and Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd. (CUC) officially took over on 10 May 1966. CUC’s early focus was on stabilising generation, establishing island‑wide service, and beginning long‑term planning for growth.
1970s
Rapid Growth and Growing Pains
In the early 1970s, tourism and population growth caused electricity demand to soar and CUC accelerated expansion at a swift pace. The OPEC oil embargo caused fuel prices to skyrocket from 1973-1974 and by the late 1970s, frequent island-wide blackouts occurred due to poor protection settings. In 1976, CUC was acquired by West Indies Power Corporation (WIPCO) of Canada and the focus turned to service reliability.
1980s
Major Investment and Expansion
In the early 1980s, massive capital investments were made to keep up with demand, including a new engine hall and larger, more modern generators. In the mid-1980s, rapid expansion of Seven Mile Beach required major feeder upgrades and by the late 1980s, a transmission line to Bodden Town and a fuel pipeline from Jackson Point to North Sound were completed.
1990s
Big Power, Big Progress
In the 1990’s infrastructure investment continued with the installation of much larger engines and generators. Despite previous setbacks, CUC managed to maintain supply for customers and continued growing capacity ahead of demand. With reliability under control and infrastructure in place, this is the period where CUC evolved into a modern, sophisticated utility.
Early 2000s
Economic and Demand Growth
Rapid demand growth in the early 2000s was driven by Grand Cayman’s expanding tourism, financial services, and residential development sectors. By 2001, CUC served more than 19,000 customers, reflecting the island’s strong economic growth at the time.
2004
Hurricane Ivan – Defining Event
On 11 September 2024, Hurricane Ivan passed Grand Cayman as a Category 5 storm and caused catastrophic damage, including widespread outages and destruction of electricity infrastructure. CUC undertook an unprecedented restoration effort, rebuilding and hardening the grid and restoring power across the island within 75 days. Reconstruction included system upgrades rather than simple replacement, improving resilience to future hurricanes and other environmental threats.
Late 2000s – 2010s
Redefining Resilience and Renewables
Following previous feasibility studies on wind energy, in 2009, CUC introduced the Consumer Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) programmes, marking the first steps towards renewable energy. With electricity demand continuing to grow, CUC expanded its North Sound Road generating facility in 2016, investing in new equipment that materially increased system capacity and efficiency. In the late 2010s, as network complexity increased, upgrades were made to strengthen grid monitoring, protection, and operational resilience. In 2017, CUC initiated a competitive bid that allowed the Bodden Town Solar Farm to become a reality, and in 2019, CUC’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) was approved, outlining a 30-year strategic roadmap (2017-2045) for the Cayman Islands to transition from diesel-based generation to cleaner, more sustainable energy.
2020s
COVID‑19 and System Reliability
During the global COVID‑19 pandemic, CUC maintained continuous electricity supply despite reduced tourism activity and operational constraints, underscoring the resilience of its regulated business model and essential‑service mandate. Capital investment in reliability and automation continued, supporting a measured recovery in demand as economic activity returned. In 2024, CUC implemented a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to enhance grid stability, reduce fuel consumption, and increase the integration of renewable energy.
2037
A Sustainable Energy Future
By 2037, CUC is committed to reaching the goal of the Cayman Islands National Energy Policy to generate 70% of our energy from renewable sources. Learn more about the steps we are taking towards a sustainable energy future here.
Together Towards Tomorrow
As we celebrate this anniversary, we reflect on the values that have guided us: transparency, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. At the same time, we look boldly to the future – a future where energy provided to the people of Grand Cayman is not only reliable and safe, but also cleaner, smarter, more sustainable. A future where advances in technology continue to reduce costs over time.
Our vision is clear: to continue powering homes, businesses, and industries while driving affordability, advancing technology, and supporting Grand Cayman’s growth. With innovation as our compass and sustainability as our promise, we are determined to shape the next chapter of energy for generations to come.
STATISTICS
60 Years Powering Grand Cayman
35,000
Customers currently served
75+
Scholarships granted since 1989
229
Caymanians currently employed
35
Years on the Toronto Stock Exchange
30
EV charging stations across the island
70%
Renewable energy by 2037