Humberto: 28,000 Customers Lost Power

September 19, 2019

[Updated] The Bermuda Electric Light Company [BELCO] confirmed that more than 28,000 customers [80%] lost power due to Hurricane Humberto. However, crews were deployed at first light and are working on restoration, with some reports already being received of people’s power returning.

Update 2.47pm: A spokesperson said, “Following the passage of Hurricane Humberto, BELCO is aware of a number of outages across the island affecting 20,628 customers as of 2 pm. Approximately 43% of customers who lost power have had it restored.

“As a reminder, a BELCO spokesman asked that the public not call the company unless there is an emergency which includes a pole fire or downed power line.

“BELCO Crews are currently working across the island in all parishes to restore power. BELCO crews will continue working until 12 am with work to resume at 8 am.

“The public have also been advised to use caution when using generators as they can be extremely dangerous if not used correctly.

  • “Carbon monoxide fumes emitted by a generator’s exhaust cannot be smelled or seen and can be fatal. Never use a generator indoors. Generators should never be operated in any part of your home or indoor space, regardless of whether there are open windows. Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
  • “Hooking up your generator directly into your home power supply could energise the outside power lines and electrocute a utility worker. If you must connect the generator through the house wiring to power appliances, use a qualified and licensed electrician to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
  • “Never store fuel for your generator in your house and do not store fuels near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a stove or water heater. Before re-fueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline spilt on a hot engine can ignite a fire.

“Residents are encouraged to visit the BELCO website at www.belco.bm for up-to-date information.”

Update 8.10pm: BELCO said, “Following the passage of Hurricane Humberto, the number of BELCO customers without power has been reduced to 16,448 as of 7pm. Approximately 56% of customers who lost power have had it restored.

“Our crews are making good progress, but there are challenges. Much of the damage caused by Hurricane Humberto is making it difficult to quickly and easily restore large areas at a time, so crews are working methodically, as fast as they can, to re-route lines and replace infrastructure as needed.

“Restoration efforts are likely to take another four days until all customers have had power restored and BELCO is asking for the public’s patience as work continues.

“As a reminder, a BELCO spokesman asked that the public not call the company unless there is an emergency which includes a pole fire or downed power line.”

You can view our live updates on Hurricane Humberto here, and all our coverage of Hurricane Humberto here.

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Comments (3)

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  1. Cause otherwise you’ll be waiting for water and electricity.

  2. Bucket bathing is refreshing but …

  3. Warwick need electricity!