BELCO: Power cuts were not deliberate

MONDAY, AUGUST 13: Power outages over the weekend were not deliberate, according to BELCO’s president.

The electricity company today responded to safety concerns about Sunday’s power outages.

President Andrew Parsons said: “Safety and reliability of electricity service are our highest priority.

“It is preposterous and irresponsible for anyone to suggest that BELCO would deliberately cause outages to make a point to the Energy Commission, customers or the public at large.

“The recent power outages are in no way connected to, or as a result of, the Energy Commission’s recent ruling regarding BELCO’s rate application.

“Our mission is to provide secure, reliable, sustainable power, and that is what we come to work to do everyday.”

He added: “The outage events over the past few weeks and Sunday are clearly unacceptable, and we are working diligently to resolve them as quickly as possible.

“They appear to be unrelated to each other, however, we are investigating to see whether there is some connection.

“So, we are further looking at a wider range of plant and ancillary equipment, our operating regime and the system’s response.

“Additionally, we have representatives from our engine manufacturers arriving later today to work with us to effect engine repairs.”

A statement this afternoon said BELCO’s electricity generating capacity is close to demand today, but the company expects margins will improve with the return to service of one of its largest units tomorrow.

BELCO is calling for conservation today and throughout the week as staff investigate the cause of the outages and repair system faults.

A spokesman said BELCO operates its maintenance schedules in accordance with manufacturer recommended programs.