Governor Approves Electricity, Water Merger; Unified Notification
Governor Daniel Pruce has given formal assent to legislation merging the BVI Electricity Corporation and the Water and Sewerage Department into the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo), after approval by the House of Assembly. The Ministry of Communications and Works says the integration will begin formally and, effective immediately, a unified public notification platform will consolidate water and electricity interruption notices and service advisories, according to a VINO press release.
Governor Daniel Pruce has given formal assent to legislation that will merge the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the Water and Sewerage Department (WSD) into a single utility, the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo), officials confirmed this week. The law had already been approved by the House of Assembly, and the Governor’s assent clears the way for the government to begin formal integration of electricity, water and sewerage services under one organisation (BVI News).
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer described the merger as a "transformative step" and a significant milestone in modernising utility services across the Virgin Islands, according to a government press release reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). Minister Rymer said the move reflects the Government’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient public institutions and creating a more efficient and sustainable future for the Territory.
Officials say VIEWCo will be responsible for delivering electricity, water and sewerage services across the Territory, with stated goals that include improving operational efficiency, strengthening service delivery, supporting long-term sustainability and enabling more coordinated infrastructure planning and investment.
While the legislation marks a key legal step, authorities say further details on operational arrangements, governance, timelines and any customer-facing changes will be provided as the transition plan is implemented. The Government has emphasised continuity of service during the transition.
Employees of both BVIEC and WSD have been formally informed about the legislative approval and ongoing transition activities, and officials say they are working to maintain uninterrupted electricity and water services as integration proceeds (BVI News; VINO). One immediate, visible change for residents and businesses will be more coordinated public communications.
The VINO report said that, effective immediately, water and electricity interruption notices, service advisories and other customer information will be disseminated through a unified public notification platform, providing a single, reliable source of information about utility services across the Territory.
The Ministry also announced a territory-wide graphic design competition to create VIEWCo’s official brand and logo. Residents are invited to submit original designs that reflect the Corporation’s mission, values and commitment to sustainable energy and water services; competition guidelines, eligibility requirements, prizes and submission details will be announced shortly (VINO).
Minister Rymer said, "The new Corporation belongs to the people of the Virgin Islands," urging public participation in creating the visual identity. Natalio Wheatley, members of the Government, the House of Assembly, Governor Pruce and other stakeholders for their support in bringing the merger to fruition (VINO).
For now, officials stress that the legal framework is in place and practical steps toward integration are underway; residents should expect clearer, consolidated communications about outages and service matters, with more operational detail to follow as VIEWCo is stood up (BVI News).
Both BVI News and VINO have reported on the development; the Government has said it will provide further updates as the transition advances.
Primary source: BVI News