Mechanical failures force rolling outages in Abaco

Mechanical failures force rolling outages in Abaco

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd. (BPL) yesterday reported a series of mechanical failures of several temporary generators brought in to service Central and South Abaco.

Those failures led to the numerous outages and bouts of load shedding on the island, according to a statement.

“BPL apologizes for the disruption in the lives of our customers and reported on the steps being taken to address the outages,” it read.

“On Thursday evening (July 23) we installed a generator at the old Sandy Point Power Station in order to feed the Sandy Point area, securing supplies for the clinic, airport and residents of Sandy Point and Sands Cove.

“Meanwhile, we have commissioned Aggreko to provide additional generation for South and Central Abaco to replace the failed generation. The replacement generators are set to be loaded on a specially chartered vessel out of Nassau on Saturday, July 25, and expected to land in Abaco on Sunday morning.”

The statement continued: “Installation is expected to begin immediately and be completed within 48 hours. As such, it is anticipated that the units will be online by the end of business Tuesday, July 28. This will alleviate the generation challenges faced on the island. Generators will be installed at both Wilson City and Marsh Harbour and will provide sufficient power for Central and South Abaco.”

“It should also be noted that the generation commissioning specialists brought in to bring the Wilson City PS back online have advised that they are at an advanced stage in the work and expect to have the first unit online in early August.

“We recognize and appreciate the frustration brought about by the extended bouts of load shedding, and assure our customers that we are working diligently and with all due haste to ensure safe, reliable power generation on Abaco.”

It added: “Meanwhile, we wish to remind our customers that some planned outages will remain necessary as we tie in newly completed areas.”