Antigua and Barbuda will begin offering 110-volt electricity to homes and businesses from 2026 in a major overhaul of the national power network, the government has announced.
Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas said the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) would roll out the option over three to five years, ensuring every consumer who wants 110-volt service can access it. The move follows growing public demand, as more imported appliances are designed for the US market.
“Most homes still operate entirely on 220 volts, forcing people to rely on step-down transformers,” Mr Nicholas said. “We want to move away from that and make 110-volt power readily available.”
He cautioned that some properties may need internal electrical upgrades and warned that heavy reliance on transformers increases costs and fire risks, particularly in older wooden houses.
APUA Electricity Business Manager Andre Matthias said the country’s 220-volt system reflects its British colonial legacy. With most appliances now designed for 110 volts, he said offering the alternative is “simply practical”.
APUA is considering a consumer advisory team to guide households through the transition, though it will not carry out installations. The government has described the initiative as part of a wider push to modernise the nation’s energy infrastructure.
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