THE Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) is currently coordinating a team of 35 lines-men from seven of its full member utilities to help rebuild the electrical power network of the Bahamas Power and Light Company (BPL) following damages inflicted by Hurricane Matthew.
The CARILEC Secretariat, which is known for its coordination of regional relief efforts to its member utilities in the aftermath of natural disasters, promptly activated its CARILEC Disaster Assistance Programme (CDAP) following receipt of an official request from BPL on Friday, October 7.
BPL reported a loss of electrical power to 80% of its customers as a result of damages caused to its electrical power network by Hurricane Matthew.
Based on the need for efficiency and cost effectiveness of the coordinated effort, the following seven full member utilities were chosen from among those that were earmarked to provide manpower assistance: Caribbean Utilities Company Limited (CUC), British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC), Barbados Light and Power Company Limited (BLPC) and Grenada Electricity Services Limited (GRENLEC).
Additionally, the Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO) offered to assist. However, cognizant that they were preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Nicole, the CARILEC Secretariat made the decision to exclude them from the relief efforts.
Based on the findings of the damage assessment, the CARILEC line crews have been deployed in New Providence and Andros islands and are engaged in the rebuilding of the damaged HV and LV networks, including the reconnection of service lines. The CARILEC Secretariat says it is committed to the well-being of its lines men crew and has assigned assistant managers and foremen to work with each team to oversee the completion of repairs and ensure safety.
The full member utilities of CARILEC are committed to working together, coordinating their resources and strengthening infrastructure to mitigate the effects of hurricanes and other adverse weather conditions,” CARILEC said.