BL&P ready for Bret

The Barbados Light and Power Company (BLPC) was on high alert as the country braced for the impact of Tropical Storm Bret on Thursday.

Manager of Communications and Government Relations Jackie Marshall-Clarke gave the assurance that the utility company was ready for any eventualities.

“On Tuesday, we activated our storm plan and we are bracing for any potential impact that Tropical Storm Bret can have. We have completed all our annual hurricane preparedness items prior to the start of the season, we have had our necessary team meetings, desktop assimilations and all employees know the company’s expectations and their functions during this period,” she said.

“We have participated in hurricane stakeholder meetings with the acting prime minister, government and agencies, reporting on status and level of preparedness. Therefore, we are in a position of readiness to work with everyone, and in particular the department of emergency management. Internally, we have checked all our sites and final inspections are taking place again today. We have made full provision for customers.”

Marshall-Clarke said the company’s emergency teams would remain on duty to answer calls throughout the storm and respond once the weather permits and it is safe to do so.

Customers can call the emergency hotline at 626-9000 to report any outages or the call centre at 626-4300, which will remain in place to respond to customer service needs once conditions allow.

“We have made all preparations to enable crews to start repairing electricity line damage immediately after the weather system when the all clear has been given and the Department of Emergency Management has deemed it safe to commence operations,” she said.

Marshall-Clarke said the company remained committed to providing a reliable service and quick response should there be any disruption.

“The focus at Light and Power is always reliability for customers. That is, providing a dependable electricity service, and if there is interruption, restoring safely as quickly as possible. Therefore, during the hurricane season, it is even more critical because it is a period when we are very vulnerable to the weather. Hence, planning and preparation, readiness and responsiveness are essential,” she said.

Meanwhile, Marshall-Clarke also urged residents to take necessary precautions.

“As a reminder to our customers, in situations of intense lightning and wind, turn off and unplug all electrical appliances such as televisions, computers, microwave ovens; disconnect cables to your TV antenna, your satellite dish or cable service. Surge protectors will offer minimal protection from lightning strikes. At this time we encourage everyone to be prepared and operate as safely as possible,” she advised. (MM)