• 

  by pltm
• Nov 20, 2017
• 0

(PLTM) - The work done so far by the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) to restore power to the Territory following hurricanes Irma and Maria, has been described as nothing short of heroic.

After hurricane Irma, the BVIEC’s ability to generate power across the islands was rendered incapacitated, as all of the power plants suffered minor or major damage, which seriously impacted the electrical infrastructure.

However, within weeks, that has significantly changed because of the hard work of BVIEC workers, along with assistance from overseas linesmen.

At the peak, there were teams of up to 75 linesmen on the ground, from Aruba, Belize, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Prior to Hurricane Irma, peak demand for electricity in the Territory was 34 megawatts. Post Hurricane Irma, we are back up to 13.2 megawatts of generating power, with another several engines available to provide an additional 19 megawatts, once the distribution system is ready to connect customers,” said Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Minister of Communications and Works.

He told the House of Assembly last week that the damage to the National Electricity Grid as a result of these hurricanes was unprecedented. However, swift progress is being made to restore power to every area of the islands. “We are happy that this is being done in a timely and safe manner. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to report to this Honourable House, that to date, approximately 40% of the infrastructure has been restored on Tortola, 50% on Virgin Gorda and 90% on Anegada.”

He said, “This is a significant achievement and I recognize the BVIEC and all those who lent their assistance, for a job well done so far. I encourage everyone to continue to work safely and expeditiously.” Meanwhile, the Works Minister said that the Government of the Virgin Islands is also grateful to the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), who worked with BVIEC to hire a private firm, Valard Construction LP, to provide 27 linesmen and support equipment. He explained that this contractor has been assigned to the Long Bush West End and the Long Swamp College feeders. They are required to complete the entire restoration of these feeders, from laying poles and connecting customers, within an eight-week period. The Minister said that in addition, the BVI Electricity Corporation is negotiating for additional linesmen, as they work towards expediting and completing the electricity restoration process ahead of the timeframe originally anticipated.