Electricity bills in the Cayman Islands have long been a source of stress for residents, but a recent pilot program has shown that with the right home improvements, like spray foam insulation, those bills can shrink dramatically, according to a new article from Cayman Compass.
Idolyn Smith, a West Bay resident, once paid more than $500 every month for power. Now, thanks to home improvement upgrades, including spray foam insulation installed between the timber beams in her attic space, she’s able to stay comfortable and save money. “I can’t explain the difference it has made,” she said. “I feel so good. The house is cooler, I sleep more comfortably, and now I have a couple of dollars left over for myself.”
While the homes in the pilot program were outfitted with new air conditioning units, installing spray foam both insulates and air seals, which is a “critical step in ensuring the cool air being pumped out by newly fitted air conditioners doesn’t escape.”
Most families have reduced their energy usage and seen their utility bills reduced by 35% to 40% with these upgrades.
Right now, the government is looking to issue loans to homeowners interested in these home upgrades. For many, the savings realized in monthly utility costs will be more than enough to pay back the cost of the monthly loan. Additionally, government leaders are looking at updating codes for new builds that incentivize innovative building materials, like spray foam insulation.
Beyond individual households, the pilot program has broader implications. By cutting demand nearly in half, spray foam insulation and other upgrades ease pressure on the grid, reducing the prospect of rolling blackouts. What began as a small experiment is now a blueprint for a more sustainable, affordable energy future, and can serve as a model for homes across the country.