Clean-up operations and cost assessment ongoing at VINLEC hydro stations

St Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) is continuing clean-up operations and cost assessment at the Company’s three hydro power stations that were damaged during the passage of a trough system on December 24, 2013.{{more}}

The power stations, which are located at Richmond, Cumberland and South Rivers, sustained significant damage as a result of flood waters. The company’s technical team is continuing its assessment of the damage at the hydro plants, with a view to restoring operations at the most practical time. The team has indicated that extensive work is required to restore the plants to normality.

At the Richmond headworks (river intake), work is ongoing to clear silt and debris that have caused blockage in that area. The pipeline leading from the headworks to the power plant was also damaged during the passage of the system. As a result of these incidents, the water supply to the Richmond plant has been cut off.

The Cumberland hydro plant, which comprises three separate run of the river power stations, also suffered extensive damage, including a broken pipeline. The impact of the system was also visible at the sub-station that was filled with silt and debris. In addition, the turbines at Cumberland Two (C2) station were damaged by flood waters that ran through the station. At the main compound, water swept through the area causing damage to the offices and infrastructure.

The assessment carried out by the company’s team has also revealed that there is blockage in the area of the South Rivers headworks. Work is ongoing at this location to have the obstruction cleared.

VINLEC’s three hydro power stations produce an average of 18 to 20 per cent of the electricity generated annually on mainland St Vincent. With the absence of these plants, the company anticipates that it will utilize more fuel for the generation of electricity in the upcoming months. As such, VINLEC is strongly advising customers to be wise in the consumption of electricity. A well-coordinated energy conservation plan can help to reduce the energy consumed by consumers.

VINLEC wishes to reiterate that despite these challenges, the company will continue to do its part to ensure that there is a quality supply of electricity to all customers.