BVIEC Warns Heavy Equipment Operators After Spike
The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is urging contractors, developers, heavy equipment operators and members of the public to contact the utility before working near power infrastructure after a recent increase in incidents that damaged lines, poles, transformers and underground cables. BVIEC is asking operators to give at least 24 hours’ notice where location or clearance is uncertain and can be reached at 852-4600 for guidance to help prevent injuries, outages and costly repairs.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is calling on heavy equipment operators across the Territory to contact the utility before carrying out work near electrical infrastructure following a series of recent incidents that have caused damage and, in some cases, outages affecting customers.
According to a BVIEC press release, and confirmed in reporting by Guavaberry, several cases — including incidents reported as recently as last week — involved heavy machinery striking or otherwise interfering with overhead lines, poles, transformers and underground cables. BVIEC described the recent uptick as alarming and warned that its infrastructure carries high-voltage electricity that can be deadly if contacted by equipment, objects or people. “These situations can become dangerous very quickly,” said Leroy L.
Abraham, Transmission and Distribution Engineer at BVIEC, in the corporation’s statement. Abraham urged operators to seek guidance before commencing work and warned that contact with electrical infrastructure can cause serious injury or loss of life, extensive damage to equipment and property, and prolonged interruptions to electricity service.
BVIEC’s public notice defined heavy equipment operators to include, but not be limited to, those operating cranes, hymacs, backhoes, cement trucks, pump trucks and other large machinery — groups the corporation said are most likely to encounter power assets during construction and excavation activities.
The utility said the spike in incidents places operators, workers on site, BVIEC crews and members of the public at risk, and stressed that prevention is the priority. The corporation previously advised residents and businesses planning construction, excavation or maintenance work to verify the location of underground utilities and assess safe clearances from overhead lines, contacting BVIEC if there is any uncertainty.
While BVIEC’s initial release did not include specific contact details, Guavaberry reporting provides a direct number for assistance: operators and contractors are encouraged to call BVIEC at 852-4600. Guavaberry also reports that BVIEC is asking for at least 24 hours’ notice before undertaking work near electrical infrastructure where there is uncertainty about underground cable locations or required clearance distances.
Advance notification allows BVIEC technical teams to provide guidance that can help prevent accidents, reduce damage to infrastructure and minimise service disruptions to surrounding communities. BVIEC thanked the public for its cooperation and reiterated its plain safety message: “When in doubt, call BVIEC before you dig, lift or operate.” The utility said it will continue to monitor the situation and work with contractors, developers and other stakeholders to prevent future incidents and protect both public safety and the reliability of supply.
For anyone planning excavation, lifting or other work near electrical installations, BVIEC’s combined advice is clear: plan ahead, verify underground utilities, respect safe clearances from overhead lines, and contact the utility for professional guidance to avoid injury, damage and outages.
Primary source: VINO