BLP gives power restoration update

The Barbados Light & Power (BL&P) Company Ltd says it is continuing restoration efforts with the aim of having at least 80 per cent of customers restored by tomorrow.

However, while warning that the damage from Hurricane Elsa appeared to be worse than that experienced in 2010 during the passage of Tropical Storm Tomas, the company is warning that some customers may be left without electricity for up to a week.

As of 11 a.m. on Saturday, about 60 per cent of customers were restored.

According to BL&P’s Manager of Communications and Government Relations Jackie Marshall-Clarke, initial damage assessment following the passage of Hurricane Elsa on Friday, indicates that approximately 200 poles and 45 transformers are to be replaced and about 100 kilometres of wires are to be restrung.

There was also damage sustained to a substation that services some customers in the eastern part of the island.

“This morning our crews continue their focus on emergency issues which pose danger to persons within their homes, critical customers and prioritizing areas affecting large clusters of customers. Restoration efforts will continue today in all parishes. We are aiming to have up to 80 per cent of our customers restored within 48 hours. Added to this, teams will continue conducting inspection across the island today,” she reported this afternoon.

She said the focus will then be shifted to areas with smaller pockets of customers.

Noting that it was a “dynamic situation”, Marshall-Clarke said prioritization may change and that based on demand on the network, service may be intermittent in some areas.

“We ask persons to plan accordingly. Based on initial assessments and reports being received from customers, the damage appears to be comparable, or in some instances worse than that experienced during the passage of tropical storm Tomas in 2010. As such, our initial estimate for restoration of areas where there is more extensive damage could take as much as one week,” she warned.

“Once our damage assessments are completed we will be able to share a timeline for full restoration. Our call centre agents are in place and can be reached at 626-4300 and 626-9000. Alternatively, you  can use our newly launched ECI Restore app,” she said.

The ECI Restore app, which the company said was designed for a circumstance such as the one at present, can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Individuals can enter the required information and share photographs with the company from their location in real time. The phone’s GPS will select the closest pole and provide that data to the BL&P along with the footage.

Marshall-Clarke reminded residents to stay clear of downed power lines, warning that the risk around them becomes even greater when they are being restored. She also urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving in the vicinity of crew members.

“We are in several locations throughout the day and into the evening. So please be alert and cautious. The damage caused as a result of Hurricane Elsa is extensive. While restoration will not be immediate for all customers, be assured that our teams, crews and contractors are working to the fullest extent possible to safely return normalcy to our daily lives. We apologise to our affected customers for the inconvenience experienced and we thank you for your patience and understanding at this time,” said Marshall-Clarke. (BT)