BVIEC Gives Update on Power Outages in the Territory

~~Adz:Right~~ Roadtown, Tortola- The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has pledged that it is making every effort to minimise the number of power outages in the Territory.

At a press briefing today, General Manager Mr. Leroy Abraham said that the Corporation acknowledges that it has been experiencing some challenges lately and apologised for inconveniences that have been experienced due to increased incidents of power interruption around the Territory recently.

The BVIEC currently has eight power generators installed at its Pockwood Pond location, with a total generating capacity of 39 mega watts. Of those eight units, four were commissioned between the last quarter of 2006 and the second quarter of 2007, and the other four are between 13 and 18 years old. The engines at Pockwood Pond supply electricity to all of BVIEC’s service area with the exception of Anegada.

Mr. Abraham told the Department of Information and Public Relations that the high incidence of generation faults is attributed to the fact that all of the BVIEC’s eight operating units at the Pockwood Pond facility required a major schedule overhaul this year. A major scheduled service has to be performed on the engines every 12,000 run hours, which equates to approximately every 18 months.

The servicing of each engine, which entails inspecting and cleaning of all the parts individually, as well as replacing faulty parts, that might have to be manufactured or purchased internationally, typically takes an average of four to six weeks to be completed.  Mr. Abraham noted that while the servicing of the engines is scheduled, on occasion an unscheduled maintenance on an operating engine may occur.

“While an engine is undergoing a major service, that engine remains off-line, which means there is one less generator providing electricity to the grid.  This results in a decrease in the power generating capacity.  If during that time unscheduled maintenance is required on another engine, then that generator must also be taken off line resulting in a further decrease in power generating capacity.  As a result, consumers may experience interruptions,” Mr. Abraham explained.

In addition, the Corporation has also been experiencing more frequent interruptions due to issues on the Transmission and Distribution Network within recent weeks.  Lightning strikes, vegetation and water ingress into equipment during the recent period of heavy rainfalls have contributed to these interruptions.

“Recognising these issues the Corporation will be working as quickly as possible to complete the major services on the engines, and stepping up on its tree trimming efforts, as well as its initiatives to enclose and protect key devices on the transmission and distribution network, in order to restore a reliable electricity supply to the Territory.    We are asking for the public’s continued patience and support as we work to supply the Territory with a reliable supply of electricity,” Mr. Abraham concluded.

 The BVIEC remains committed to its mission to aid in the development of the Territory’s electrical infrastructure by adequately supplying a reliable and continuous electricity supply to the entire BVI at an affordable cost.