The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is investigating a faulty generating unit which caused a total system shutdown and power disruption at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station in Pockwood Pond, resulting in two power outages today January 22, 2020, at 4:10 am then again at 12:05 pm this afternoon.
CEO of the BVIEC, Mr Leroy A. E. Abraham, speaking to the media today told reporters that following investigations and analysis, the source of the problem was identified; however, a much thorough investigation has been commissioned to get to the bottom of the fault.
"In the meantime, we have restored the grid and left that unit off until we conduct a thorough investigation," he told reporters.
The CEO said that with the defective unit now off, and the entire power grid now restored based on reserved capacity; the unit will remain off until a full analysis of the issue causing the malfunction is identified.
No cost estimates just yet - Mr Abraham
Regarding the cost factor associated with the unit he said, "Its too early to tell right now, certainly it's an inconvenience which we don't like because it disrupts our business so therefore all resources are being committed to getting the issue resolved."
The CEO also noted that the sister island of Anegada remains unaffected by the faulty unit. "Right about now, Anegada's supply is more reliable than the rest of the Territory," he stated.
He said throughout the Territory, there is sufficient generating capacity to meet local energy demands and if the need arises, expertise will be flown in to assist with resolving the issue.