BVIEC General Manager, Leroy Abraham

“It’s very peculiar event, but this is due to the replacement project [refurbishment of various engine components], which reduced the generating capacity,” Abraham told reporters. 

He explained that with the BVIEC’s installed capacity being 39MW and the approximate maximum demand of the Territory being 30MW, when one generating unit is being overhauled, incidents of scheduled or unscheduled maintenance will result in the Corporation not having sufficient power to supply the Territory.

“When these major overhauls are taking place minor services are likewise required to be performed on other generating units which may take a few days,” he noted.

The cost for the overhauls is estimated to be $5M on generators with age span between 15 years and one year.

When asked if negligence could have been a factor in having all the generators having to be overhauled in one year, Abraham replied that once the generating units operate in excess of 12,000 run hours – it is crucial for the overhaul.

Additionally, the breakdown of all of the old generating units at the Long Bush Power Station has compounded the power outage situation.

Challenges

Cognizant of mounting frustration expressed by the public over the increased power outages, the General Manager informed reporters that the high incidence of transmission and distribution faults were attributable to inclement weather conditions; vegetation; problems with switchgear and transformers at the various substations; problems with switchgear and transformers on the various 13,200V feeders and problems with the underground cables.

Based on analysis of the power outages, Cane Garden Bay and West End are the communities most affected. Abraham admitted that more power outages will be experienced, but eventually the situation will get better. However, he pointed out that the BVIEC cannot guarantee complete freedom from future outages. 

“…we can assure you that everything humanly possible is being done to keep these at a minimum,” Abraham added.

He revealed for the month of July there were 10 transmission and distribution system faults, 49 generation faults, and 11 transmission and distribution scheduled outages, which affected the various 13,200 volts feeders supplying power to the individual communities throughout the Territory.

While in August there were 25 transmission and distribution system faults, 73 generation faults and 8 transmission and distribution scheduled outages. The average feeder down time for July and August were seven and 10 hours respectively.

BVIEC plans

BVIEC takes very seriously its responsibility to provide an adequate and reliable service to the entire territory, while ensuring the highest level of efficiency in converting fuel to electricity, stressed Abraham.

He said that the BVIEC will continue several objectives, which have already been implemented and has resulted in a significant reduction in unscheduled outages on the various 13,200 volts feeders since the beginning of September to present.

These include:

· The maintenance in advance on various generating units prior to the removal of Unit 3 from service for its major overhaul on September 17, 2008.

· Sourcing a replacement rental generator to replace the one damaged around the middle of the year. This will be located at the Long Bush Power Station and assist with reducing the effect of load shedding if and when necessary.

· The Transmission & Distribution Department has stepped up the exercise of its vegetation management programme.

· Arrangements are being made for a switchgear specialist to come to the BVI to assist in addressing the various issues at our major substations.

· A comprehensive assessment of BVIEC’s transmission and distribution network will be conducted to proactively identify and correct problems before they affect the supply to customers.

· Work is continuing to have the electrical network in the Wickham’s Cay 1 area fully underground by the end of the year.

· Preparation is currently being made for BVIEC’s next major capital expansion, its Phase V Development which is expected to increase BVIEC’s installed generating capacity by 40 percent.

This expansion of the Pockwood Pond Power Station is expected to commence within another year and be completed in late 2010 to 2011.

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