BELCO Provides Update On Power Restoration
BELCO has provided an update on power restoration following the weekend’s winter gale.
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Electric Light Company [BELCO] Managing Director Shelly Leman today provided an update on power restoration following the winter gale that impacted Bermuda during the weekend and into Monday.
“Between Friday, February 6 and Monday, February 9, Bermuda experienced the impacts of two winter weather events in the form of a cold front and a complex low-pressure system that brought prolonged periods of high winds gusting to hurricane force, extreme low temperatures and rainfall and hail to the island. As a result of these conditions, around 6,315 BELCO customers reported power outages across the island at its peak on Saturday. Within 24 hours 5,779 customers had their power restored, and by 8.40 pm on Tuesday, February 11 all customers were back on BELCO supply.
“With the persistent heavy winds, there were reports of vegetation coming into contact with our overhead lines causing outages, however more frequent reports of sparking lines and pole fires were reported.
“During high wind events, salt particles can be carried long distances inland and deposit onto overhead infrastructure such as insulators and cross arms. Light rain or high humidity can then create a thin conductive layer on this equipment which allows current to flow and tracking to occur which can result in arcing or flashovers that can cause a pole fire.
“There were 10 pole fires across the island, including on Wingwood Way, Fractious Street, Patience Avenue, Ord Road, Texas Road and others. Seven poles had to be replaced. Repairing damage from pole fires and installing new poles and associated infrastructure are lengthy and complex processes which require several crews to be on site.”
Ms. Leman said, “Restoration efforts progressed steadily through the weekend and into the new week, often in hazardous conditions. The teams were able to restore approximately 6,000 customers relatively quickly with around 600 remaining off supply into Monday. Our crews tended to several reports of sparking lines as well as several pole fires which caused resources to be diverted to these emergencies.
“I would like to say a big thank you to our teams once again for braving the elements to restore service to the island and to our customers for their patience throughout the restoration process.”
The spokesperson said, “As a reminder, BELCO provides regular updates on outages, safety and other important information on the company’s social media channels, including Facebook [@BELCOBermuda], Instagram [@belcobermuda], and X [@BELCOBermuda].”
