On September 3, Hurricane Dorian struck the northern Bahamas islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama with devastating fury. Prior to landfall, Dorian generated a storm surge measuring 25 feet, turning streets into raging rivers that flooded entire communities. One of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, Dorian’s 185+ mph winds leveled buildings, downed trees and power lines, overturned trucks, and tossed boats ashore.

This catastrophic disaster highlights how vulnerable Caribbean countries are to power disruption. Nowhere is this more evident than in their electricity grids, which are centralized and predominantly powered by fossil fuels. If a storm shuts down an island’s power plant, the entire island goes dark.

Rocky Mountain Institute is a proud partner of the local utility—Bahamas Power and Light—and the Government of The Bahamas. Since 2014, RMI has supported The Bahamas with project development and deployment, including the region’s first Category 5 solar canopy car park and microgrid, and resilient energy planning. Now more than ever, their citizens need support bringing in water, food, and medical and other essential supplies; ensuring the safety of residents; reestablishing basic services, including power supplies and electricity-dependent health systems, and helping families and businesses get back on their feet.

To learn how RMI is joining together with our partners during this critical time and how you can get involved view Building Back Better: A Call to Action for a Resilient and Renewable Future for The Bahamas.