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BVIEC expects 100% power restoration by week’s end- Dr. Smith

-linesmen sent to SVG back home & at work
The BVI Electricity Corporation expects complete power restoration in the Virgin Islands (VI) by the end of the week. General Manager of BVIEC, Dr. Neil M. Smith, linesmen said who were sent to assist BVIEC’s sister company in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the passage of Hurricane Beryl there have now returned home. Photo: Facebook
The passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto in the Virgin Islands on August 13, 2024, caused damage in the territory including downed power lines. Photo: File/Team of Reporters
The passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto in the Virgin Islands on August 13, 2024, caused damage in the territory including downed power lines. Photo: File/Team of Reporters
LONG BUSH, Tortola, VI- The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) expects complete power restoration in the Virgin Islands (VI) by week’s end.

The passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto in the VI on August 13, 2024, caused damage in the territory including downed power lines.

The electricity company has been working to restore power while battling a recent cyber-attack that has forced all systems to be shut down.

According to the General Manager of BVIEC, Dr. Neil M. Smith, linesmen who were sent to assist BVIEC’s sister company in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the passage of Hurricane Beryl there have now returned home.

“They came and they went to work immediately… I think some of them went home after 12 that night,” Dr. Smith said describing the company’s linesmen as some of the most skilled and dedicated in the region.

He assured BVIEC customers that they should expect full restoration of their electricity service by the end of the week.

Dr. Smith also said external assistance is not needed at this time adding, “We’re actually thinking of going out again to help other people”.

8 Responses to “BVIEC expects 100% power restoration by week’s end- Dr. Smith”

  • Real Macoy (22/08/2024, 11:03) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am sorry to say but i think Ernesto was a category 1 or 2 hurricane, or maybe it was directly over us with heavy winds.
    • reality (22/08/2024, 15:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ernesto was a tropical storm. Tropical storms end at 74 mph. Ernesto had sustained winds at 60 but had some gusts at 79/80. Keeping in mind that a hurricane begins at 75. So yes we had some hurricane force winds but the storm cannot be classified as a hurricane. Our utilities need to be able to withstand at least a category 1. It's very disappointing and heart breaking that over 10 days now there are places with no current, water and internet. Our systems are indeed frail. Heaven help us if the next one is stronger.
  • Maltina A Waldron (22/08/2024, 11:45) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    The light on the electric pole next to my house has been out since March. I went away came back in June and has been calling to report this issue. I know we had a hurricane and there are probably persons still with out power, but my issue was long before the hurricane. I am merely asking for the light to be restored, so that I can safely navigate my driveway at night. I am not asking for any special favors, I am asking for what is the right of every resident of this territory. Does ut really take this long to restore a simple service that is needed for the safety of the people living in the various communities? I believe thet we are better than this, can do better if unbias attention is given across the spectrum of this beautiful territory. I need the light restored so that the residents living in this area can navigate this narrow road over taken by bushes, as safe as possible. Thanks.
    • @Maltina (22/08/2024, 16:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Having a light in your driveway is fortunate - it is NOT "the right of every resident of this territory"! And if your road has been overtaken by bushes why not organize a workforce with your neighbors to cut a little bit of bush. Stop expecting Government to do everything for you. Help yourself!
  • LOL (22/08/2024, 13:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Neil we will get through this. BVI has a 7 day complaint and fuss schedule and then back to the same whatever.
  • isreal (22/08/2024, 14:13) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Peace be still, how many times you all pray for the company , Gm, the guys out their risking their life on the pole in the weather of any kind? They are trying their best so many things they to deal with and places , give them time they out 24/7 while everyone id in their bed poor thing they are doing their best . What some people dont know is those BVIEC send some of their men to assist other country damage before us also . We must give love , show love , pray for the country , the leaders and the companies and their head of department . Everyone cannot get at the same time wires and lines have to check before restored we must give God thanks and be thankful , sick of this hating and fighting tearing down each other, We are a bless country pray for the country for Gods protection there is more active weather . People dont have for days any power and water but they understand fussing doesnt help pray praylets get back to that beautiful Virgin Islands with Love
  • Bongo (22/08/2024, 16:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Maybe we can invest in good equipment and good bonuses for those linesmen, etc … and skipping “wasteful money on extending the runway “ we need a good infrastructure on this island so we can weather storms like this … 10 DAYS IS A LONG TIME ALREADY … Maintenance, maintenance… on those poles and power lines before the hurricane season starts.
  • ... (22/08/2024, 18:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We will hold him to that!!


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