BVIEC: VG Outages Linked to T&D System
BVIEC engineers say recent Virgin Gorda outages are stemming from problems on the transmission and distribution (T&D) network and damaged submarine cables. Repairs to high-voltage lines will begin in the coming weeks and a replacement submarine cable is expected to arrive and be installed by the end of summer.
Wheatley visited BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) Chief Dr. Smith to discuss recent power interruptions on Virgin Gorda and BVIEC’s plans to stabilise the island’s supply. The meeting and follow-up comments were posted to Hon. Wheatley’s official Facebook page on July 15, 2026.
Smith told the representative that investigations over the past two months have isolated the cause of many outages to the T&D system — the transmission and distribution network that carries high-voltage power across the island. He said BVIEC has identified maintenance needs on Virgin Gorda’s high-voltage lines and will deploy the utility’s specially trained live-line team to carry out repairs.
Work on the lines is expected to begin in a few weeks. Because the live-line crew are trained to work on energized equipment, BVIEC does not anticipate taking power off while they operate, Dr. Residents on Virgin Gorda will be notified in advance when the team commences work. Smith also warned that Virgin Gorda is currently operating with a single functioning submarine cable.
Of the original four or five cables serving the island, several are damaged or have been retired. He said three cables were recently in service until one was damaged in deep water; inspections have been made from both ends but the fault lies somewhere offshore. Another cable suffered nearshore damage and requires a custom replacement, which has been ordered and is due to be shipped soon.
BVIEC expects the submarine cable repairs and replacements to be completed by the end of summer. Smith cautioned that the system remains vulnerable with only one operational cable, even though the public should not notice a difference if repairs proceed as planned. Wheatley praised BVIEC’s public relations team for keeping residents informed about outages and expected restoration times.
Smith said the utility’s board has mandated improvements in customer service and communication, while noting that the best customer service is uninterrupted power — a critical consideration for Virgin Gorda given its role as a tourism hub where visitors expect reliable electricity and water.
BVIEC leaders told BVI Live they will continue public updates as diagnostics and scheduled repair work proceed. Residents and business owners on Virgin Gorda are advised to follow BVIEC announcements for timing of crews and any planned works.
Primary source: VINO