By Admin. Updated 9:52 a.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The State-owned sole commercial supplier of electricity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines – VINLEC said today it might initiate a “controlled shutdown of electricity services” if hurricane conditions from Beryl so demand.
In a press release issued on Sunday morning (June 30), the St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) said it may initiate a controlled shutdown of electricity services in response to the imminent threat posed by hurricane conditions expected to affect the country by Monday, 1st July 2024.
VINLEC said: “According to the National Emergency Management Organisation, the centre of Hurricane Beryl is expected to pass near or over St. Vincent and the Grenadines during Monday morning, with
storm force winds affecting the nation by late tonight”.
Beryl is now a category 3 hurricane.
VINLEC said it will continue to monitor the storm, however, depending on the strength and course of
the hurricane, the Company may implement a controlled shutdown at all locations as a
precautionary measure. This means all customers could potentially experience a temporary
cessation of services.
This controlled shutdown is necessary to ensure the safety of all VINLEC staff and to secure essential equipment, which will be critical for a faster and safer recovery process following Hurricane Beryl’s passage, the company said.
A decision has been made to shut down hydro power stations in South Rivers, Cumberland and
Richmond tonight, 30th June 2024. We assure all customers that our diesel power stations in
Lowmans Bay and Cane Hall will continue to adequately supply electricity to mainland, St.
Vincent. The power stations in the Grenadines islands will also remain operational throughout
the night, the company said.
If a nationwide controlled shutdown becomes necessary, its timing will be closely coordinated
with the storm’s movement. Our dedicated teams will continue to monitor the situation closely
and will restore services as soon as it is safe to do so, the company added.
“We urge everyone to take precautions and prepare by ensuring access to non-perishable food
items, fully charging all electronic devices, and keeping candles, flashlights, battery or solar-
powered lamps, battery-operated radios, and other essential supplies on hand. Please take care
of yourselves and your loved ones by securing your homes and following all safety guidelines
provided by local authorities.We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this
critical time,” the company added.
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