Restoration of power to north of island progressing

St Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) has made significant progress in the restoration of electricity in some communities north of the Rabacca River.

Following the passage of the most recent trough system, VINLEC had reports of outages in a number of areas across the country. Among the areas that were without power were Richmond to Cumberland, Hope, sections of Georgetown, Dorsetshire Hill, Walvaroo, Overland, Magum, London, Sandy Bay, Point, Owia and Fancy.{{more}}

The heavy overnight rainfall also caused a number of poles to wash out in the areas of Mt Young, Perseverance, Sandy Bay and Overland. There were also reports of damage to poles and lines in other areas.

By late Wednesday, power was restored to all areas on the Leeward side of the island. The Dorsetshire Hill and Walvaroo areas were restored early on Wednesday morning.

Efforts to commence restoration late Tuesday and early Wednesday morning in the north were put on hold, as the teams were unable to pass the Lady Jane Bridge. However, by late Wednesday afternoon, power was restored in Overland, Magum, London and up to the Sandy Bay Anglican Church.

A section of Sandy Bay, as well as Point, Owia and Fancy, remained without electricity on Wednesday evening.

“The challenge to restore the other areas is primarily as a result of the road conditions in Sandy Bay, as the workers are unable to go beyond that area using vehicles. The company’s Engineering Division is examining the best way forward and trying to determine what options are available to have the work successfully completed,” a release from VINLEC said.

“VINLEC wishes to reassure residents in those communities the company remains committed to providing quality service and will work with the relevant authorities to have power in the area restored once it is safe. We wish to encourage the public to continue to report emergencies and faults to our Emergency/WhatsApp number 456-1540.”