Three BEC generators restored

• 14 years ago (2010-06-28)
• David Flin

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In the Bahamas, three of four large gen-sets that were off-line over the weekend, prompting load shedding that cut power to thousands of homes, have been repaired a week ahead of schedule. According to a press release issued by the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), repairs to the fourth generator are underway. It said: “Consistent with our earlier advisories that we expected full stabilisation of the generator situation to be achieved by the end of June, it is anticipated that the fourth generator with a capacity of 26.5 MW will be returned to service during 28 June.”

The release added that work is also underway to improve the output of other generators that are currently in service but not operating at full capacity. It stated: “The present generation availability is 251.9 MW, and demand is 225 MW, providing a spare capacity of 26.9 MW. When returned to service, the fourth generator will increase spare capacity to in excess of 50 MW, or about 20 per cent of anticipated peak summer demand.”

The Nassau Guardian has claimed that BEC’s financial difficulties have made it hard for the corporation to properly maintain its generators. Kevin Baden, BEC’s General Manager, said the run-down state of BEC’s equipment had triggered widespread blackouts, and more could be on the way. Baden blamed BEC’s current financial state on its 2003 rate reductions.

BEC’s financial difficulties have been well documented, with Basden estimating the corporation’s losses for 2009 at around $20 million. BEC has asked for a 5 per cent rate increase this summer. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister, has said that this rate increase is unavoidable. However, the government has not yet formally announced its approval.