BVIEC Apologises After Business Power Cut, Defends
The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has apologised after disconnecting electricity to Tortola retailer Nutmeg & Co during business hours over an outstanding security deposit adjustment, and has issued a detailed statement defending its long-standing deposit policy and steps taken to notify customers. BVIEC says deposits are based on twice a customer’s estimated monthly bill, that a review launched on March 9 followed the last comprehensive review more than five years ago, and that it offered a four-month payment plan while urging customers to keep contact details current.
A recent disconnection of power to Tortola retailer Nutmeg & Co has prompted an apology from the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and renewed public discussion about how the utility implements its security deposit policy. Nutmeg & Co, a longstanding on-time paying customer, publicly criticised BVIEC on social media after its electricity was cut during business hours.
The business said staff received no prior in-person notification of an increased deposit requirement, and that BVIEC personnel told employees to go to the utility’s office within 20 minutes to make payment. Nutmeg reported that payment was made at 2:41 pm but power had not been restored two hours later, leaving the shop disrupted during customer transactions.
BVIEC apologised for the disruption, saying it "sincerely regret[s] the frustration and disruption this situation caused, particularly during business hours and while serving your customers." The corporation reiterated that the security deposit adjustment was announced on February 9 with a March 9 implementation date and that updated deposit amounts began appearing on customer bills from March 9, according to a statement issued on June 22 and reported by BVI News.
The utility emphasised that the adjustment is not a new fee but an enforcement of its existing security deposit policy. BVIEC said deposits are calculated at twice a customer’s estimated monthly electricity bill to protect against unpaid balances that may remain when accounts are closed.
The corporation also noted the latest review was launched on March 9 after the last comprehensive review took place more than five years ago. BVIEC told BVI News it conducted a public awareness campaign before the exercise, using local media, its website, social media platforms and notices at its Long Bush office.
The utility said affected customers were contacted directly using account contact information on file, with notices reportedly sent by email and telephone, and that deposit adjustments were included on bills. To help customers meet revised amounts, BVIEC offered a four-month payment plan allowing the adjusted deposit to be paid in instalments.
The corporation warned that accounts could be disconnected if payments remained outstanding and no arrangements were made, and encouraged customers to keep their account details current so the utility can share important updates and time-sensitive notices. The incident prompted widespread online reaction, with residents and business owners questioning BVIEC’s communication methods and urging more direct, in-person outreach for affected customers.
One commenter recommended BVIEC send staff to impacted homes and businesses to ensure notices are received and understood; another noted receiving an email but still needing to visit the office to pay. For BVI residents and business owners, the episode highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date contact information with utilities and of clear, timely communication when policy changes affect service.
BVIEC’s apology acknowledges the immediate disruption, while its June 22 statement — clarifying deposit calculations, the payment-plan option and outreach efforts — seeks to explain the corporation’s position and next steps as reported by BVI News.
Primary source: BVI News