THE Government is seeking to establish new funding mechanisms as it expands its renewable energy infrastructure, the Minister of State for the Environment said recently. Speaking at the official launch of the solar water heater and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems program last week, Phenton Neymour said: "As we move forward the Government is seeking opportunities to establish funding mechanisms and engage the private sector through public-private partnerships to promote energy efficiency, and to expand and improve our energy infrastructure. "We aim to do this not only through assistance from banks such as the IDB, but also through partnerships with other commercial banks and lending institutions." The Government launched its solar initiative last week, offering to the public through a random drawing process 100 solar water heaters and 33 solar PV systems at no capital cost to participants. The pilot program is aimed at investigating the use of solar energy in the Bahamas, and will seek to expand the existing energy matrix while also allowing participants to interconnect with BEC's electricity power grid, according to Mr Neymour Mr Neymour said amendments to existing laws and regulations to allow for consumers to connect their solar systems to BEC's grid is under "active consideration." Residential homes consume on average 40 per cent of electricity generated by BEC, and he added: "In this age of technology it is important to strive to be at the cutting edge, and to take full advantage of the benefits of technological advancement. "However, it is equally important to take advantage of age old wisdom and best practices, the habit of being energy conscious and the practice of reducing energy."