BVIEC Warns Against Threats to Meter Workers
The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation has issued a strong appeal to residents to grant safe, unimpeded access to electrical meters and cease threatening field workers. The warning follows recent incidents where technicians conducting authorised meter replacements faced intimidation and threats of serious physical violence.
The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has issued a firm appeal to residents across the Territory to cooperate with authorised personnel and guarantee safe, unimpeded access to utility infrastructure, following alarming incidents where field technicians were threatened with serious physical violence while performing routine meter replacements.
According to the Corporation, employees conducting legitimate operations on private properties have recently encountered overt hostility, intimidation, and aggressive behaviour. BVIEC emphasised that it views all threats directed at its workforce with grave concern, underscoring that the physical safety of its frontline staff remains paramount as crews work daily throughout the Virgin Islands to inspect, read, service, maintain, repair, and replace electrical equipment.
These ongoing field operations are vital for maintaining grid stability, ensuring accurate customer billing, and delivering safe, reliable electricity to homes and businesses across the Territory. Fulfilling these essential responsibilities routinely requires authorised personnel to enter private premises where Corporation-owned meters and service connections are situated.
To prevent dangerous encounters and ensure operational efficiency, BVIEC is urging property owners and tenants to ensure surrounding areas are kept clear and safe for technicians to approach and work. The utility highlighted several key hazards that must be addressed, including unsecured dogs and other domestic animals, locked gates or inaccessible enclosures, overgrown bush and vegetation, stored household items, and parked vehicles obstructing direct access to electrical panels and meters.
Highlighting the legal framework governing electricity supply in the Territory, the Corporation reminded consumers of the statutory rights granted to utility personnel under local legislation. Under Section 15 of the BVIEC By-Laws, consumers are legally required to grant authorised staff or representatives access to their premises between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. when necessary, and at all times during an emergency, for inspecting or reading meters and other purposes connected to the electricity supply.
Additionally, Section 27 of the BVIEC Ordinance establishes statutory rights of access at reasonable times in connection with utility equipment and infrastructure. The Corporation also pointed to Section 28 of the Ordinance, which establishes that all lawfully installed lines, meters, fittings, works, and apparatus remain the exclusive property of BVIEC, regardless of where they are located on private land.
Addressing security considerations for homeowners, BVIEC encouraged customers who have concerns about anyone requesting access to ask for official identification or contact the Corporation directly to verify the worker's credentials. The utility stressed that public cooperation, mutual respect, and safe access are essential to protecting frontline workers while enabling the Corporation to deliver dependable electricity services across the Territory.
Primary source: BVI Electricity