Thousands on temporary electricity connections after expiration date

MINISTER OFTRANSPORT and Works, Montgomery Daniel, has praised the “excellent work” being done by the Electrical Inspectorate Unit, but expressed concern over what he said is a worrying situation.

The Minister’s concerns about temporary electrical connections, were expressed on NBC radio last week Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in his capacity as acting Prime Minister.

Daniel said that as Minister of Transport and Works, he received a report about a large number of pending temporary electricity connections at the Electrical Inspectorate Unit.

He said based on the report, there are over five thousand connections pending at the unit.

Minister Daniel said that these applications have expired.

The Transport and Works Minister explained that persons can either apply for a temporary or permanent electricity connection, but stressed the short-term nature of the temporary connection.

The Minister appealed to home owners across St Vincent and the Grenadines to do “ the necessary connections to prevent the hazards that may occur from time to time,” as “it is important to protect yourselves from hazards that may occur, given the resource to be used in your own home. The work of the Electrical Inspectorate is said to have almost doubled since the volcanic eruptions in 2021, and the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July last year. The problematic electrical connections being referenced by the Minister are temporary connections which usually is for a threemonth period, but may be renewed with the approval of the Electrical Inspectorate. However thousands of users are still on these temporary connections for extended periods. SEARCHLIGHT has been informed that with the digitisation of operations at the Electrical Inspectorate, more of these problematic connections have come to light and are being addressed.

While stating that electricity is an important resource, Minister Daniel pointed out that it has to be used correctly.

The Electrical Inspectorate Unit is undertaking a series of activities during the month of May, to sensitize the general public about the safe use of electricity during its monthlong activities. The month of sensitisation is being observed under the theme “ Electrical safety is in your hands- protect, preserve, prevent.”