Times of the Islands Summer 2016

Kathryn is a founding member of
Turks and Caicos Real Estate
Association formed in 2000. She
was instrumental in writing and
implementing the manual for the
Association as well as Rules and
Regulations for the membership.
In 2007 she was voted the first
TCREA Ambassador by her peers. In 2009/10 she was part of a
Team that wrote the first Training Manual for TCREA; all new
members are required to complete the course and final exam
before being accepted as full members of the Association. She
served as President of the Association for five years (2008-
2013), as well as serving on many TCREA committees, some of
which she still serves.
Kathryn started her real estate career in Cayman Islands where
she worked for ERA for a number of years until her move to
TCI ERA Coralie Properties Ltd in 2000; she was brought to
implement the ERA system and manage the operation for the
newly franchised Coralie Properties. Over the years Kathryn
has become an active partner shareholder and Director of ERA
Coralie Properties Ltd., as well as being a successful sales
associate, consistently being in the top ten.
A background in interior design and retail fit well with a real
estate career; working well with people, high standard of
professionalism, integrity and quality service. Kathryn has
many repeat customers as well as a strong referral network.
If you want to learn about real estate in Turks & Caicos give
Kathryn a call, she will be pleased to meet you and help with
your real estate needs, wants, dreams...
Tel: 649 231 2329
Email: krbrown@era.tc
Web: www.eraturksandcaicos.com
Kathryn
Brown
ERA Coralie Properties Ltd.
U.O.R.E.: Utility Owned Renewable Energy
This option seems like the win-win, “no brainer” to
me. FortisTCI covers the installation, maintenance,
and ownership of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system
that is interconnected with the grid. So in essence,
customers are “renting” their rooftop space to the utility,
receiving a monthly credit based on the size of
their roof. According to FortisTCI Director of Customer
Service Aisha LaPorte, a typical 1,000 sq. ft. roof space
with a 10 kW system could lower your bill by as much
as $100 per month!
It almost sounds too good to be true. There are
stipulations, however. The customer must have title
to the property on which the system is to be installed.
FortisTCI engineers will assess the roof to ensure it
is strong and stable enough to hold the solar PV system.
They will also inspect any existing system for the
C.O.R.E. program to make sure it is up to code. Fortis
is currently taking applications for both programs and
starting the initial installations, anticipating an 8 to
12 week time frame before your new system is up and
running.
The goal? FortisTCI plans to invest $10 million in
this project over the next five years, with a “moving
target” of 600 to 1,000 kW of installed capacity by the
end of the year, rising to 5% of retail power sales by
2020.
Meanwhile, FortisTCI also offers the SmartConnect
program, which includes In-Home Energy Audits to
help residents become more energy efficient at home.
Trained technicians will evaluate your dwelling and
send you recommendations for change, with follow-up
power monitoring over the next six months. This service
is free until August 31, 2016. An extensive list of
energy conservation tips is also available.
What else does the future hold? Most agree that
wind and solar both will feature strongly in the renewable
energy strategy of the Turks & Caicos. Don
Forsyth says FortisTCI is starting a two-year data capture
study on wind power generation and is seeking
government approval to move forward. With TCI said
to have the highest reported greenhouse gas emissions
in the region, the reduction in fuel imports seen
from energy efficiency and renewable energy implementation
can do nothing but good for the country
and our precious planet. a
For more information, visit www.fortistci.com.
52 www.timespub.tc