Although it may be an expensive venture to set up initially, the Managing Director of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), Leroy Abraham is of the view that solar water heaters can be an alternative for the instant water heaters.

“I believe we should ban instant water heaters because they are a tremendous load on our power system,” he told the Standpoint, after giving a detailed update of the BVIEC to citizens at an Eggs N’ Issues breakfast recently which was hosted by the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICHHA).

Abraham explained that with the rapid population growth more and more transformers have to be installed, and with the copious use of water heaters and air-conditions (ACs) – the transformers are overworked.

Hence calls for a more energy friendly move to solar.

According to the Managing Director, installing a solar water heater would cost an estimated $2000, which he describes as a “huge capital cost.” However, he noted that with $150 for an instant water heater and an additionally $50 to $60 added on to a consumer’s bill each month, a solar heater is more economical.

When asked if he made this proposal to Government, so that a more aggressive public relation campaign can launched, Abraham replied a proposal was sent to the Communications and Works Ministry for review a few months ago.

Consumers high demand

Abraham in fielding the question on the ‘frequent’ power outages, said that the BVIEC is in the business for keeping the light on, but revealed that with the rapid electricity consumption, “We are struggling to keep up with this demand.”

He also made a startling revelation that although the cost of fuel constantly fluctuating, which affects the rates on the bill – “[the company] has not seen any reduction for the high demand of fuel.”

“So persons need to conserve energy to reduce the extraordinary increases in fuel prices and the demands,” Abraham urged.

Although not giving a defintive time-line, Abrams as well as the Chairman of the Corporation, Margaret Penn said that the electricity rates will have to be increased.

“There is a potential for the rate to increase, because they have not changed in 28 years,” Abraham told the audience.

Meanwhile, Penn added that such an increase would have to be approved by the government. “The rates are definitely out of date, old, low and isn’t reflective of what is going on in today’s society.”

She further stated in an attempt to review the rates the Corporation has hired consultants who are currently reviewing the rate structure.

“So when they [consultants] come up with that, then we go to the government for them to consider it and then the legislative process,” Penn said.

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What about all the rest???, Oddly enough, Mr. Abrams is February 19, 2009     

Oddly enough, Mr. Abrams is not saying a ward about really problems. Why you can not bring and operate wind turbine, or solar power systems? Why few people - and we know who - can make money on oil import for power plant, and avery one else have to pay their price, and later electric bill, but there is no bill put forward to allow this so necessary energy sources in the BVI. The whole world is giving a subsidies to owners that want to set up a "green" - alternative energy source for themselves, but here everybody has to pay trough their teeth, and no alternative!!! Come on Mr. Abrams, are you on the take from this few in POWER????? you will have to answer this sooner then you think.....and everyone else should ask themselves the same question around the next election time........... people get smart!

jan | 83.24.46.69

..., I am very suprised that Mr Abrahms has said that in December 09, 2008     

I am very suprised that Mr Abrahms has said that instant (by the way they do not heat HOT water but cold!) water heaters are much more efficient that the normal storage tank water heaters. My electrci bill went down over $100 by putting in 2 of these and taking out ONE tank. They are considered much more engery efficent although not as much as solar. Of course we could save so much more electricity if we allowed by law to be completely off grid!

Careful with electricty | 209.59.121.10

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