St Helena : St Helena Solving Electricity Problems
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 08.10.2010 (Article Archived on 22.10.2010)
Following recent unplanned power outages during a period of strong winds, electricity was successfully restored at the beginning of last week and consumers have continued to receive an uninterrupted power supply.
Electricity
Following recent unplanned power outages during a period of strong winds, electricity was successfully restored at the beginning of last week and consumers have continued to receive an uninterrupted power supply. Plans are also in hand to enhance the overall service.
The Acting Governor, Andrew Wells and Councillor Mervyn Yon, Chairman of the Infrastructure and Utilities Committee met with senior officials from the Public Works and Services Department on 25 September to learn first hand the reasons and scope of the outages, to see what was being done to restore the power and to discuss plans for overall improvements to the Island’s supply. The Acting Chief Secretary, Gillian Francis, was also in attendance.
The Acting Governor, the Chairman of the Infrastructure and Utilities Committee and the Acting Chief Secretary also took the opportunity to visit the Power Station in Rupert’s. Here they were able to talk with personnel who work there to understand further the extent of the problems and it was evident to them that while the department has a maintenance programme in place to remove overhanging trees from along the lines it is difficult to keep the distribution network clear from trees and branches in all areas across the Island during adverse weather conditions.
Derek Richards, Manger and Head of the Public Works and Services Department said that much work is planned to improve the provision of electricity through the implementation of the DFID funded electricity distribution project and the Infrastructure Plan. He said that when complete, this will effectively upgrade the Island’s electricity network with new and replaced lines, the replacement of various transformers and the installation of new generators.
Derek added that the Public Works and Services Department also has a customer service line installed and during any power outage, customers can dial 6161 at any time for up-to-date information.
The Acting Governor said “I am impressed by the hard work being undertaken to keep the power supply up and running. I know that the power outages can cause great inconvenience so the short term action taken to restore power was most welcome. In the longer term, we look forward to the completion of the new electricity infrastructure.”
In related news, Chief of Police, Peter Coll, has written to the Salvation Army on behalf of the Disaster Management Committee to thank them for the help they gave during the power outages. In his letter the Chief of Police said:
“I have recently been informed regarding the excellent work that was undertaken last week by the Salvation Army helpers who were called out to support the PWSD workers. Your team helped at night and over the weekend and responded magnificently. You were called out at short notice and made hot drinks and a hot meal for the emergency workers who were battling to restore the Island’s power supply. I understand that this food and drink was extremely well received by all concerned, particularly as those involved were working in adverse weather conditions and many had not eaten for some time. This is another example of support that the Salvation Army provides to St Helena and you are a valuable contributor to the Disaster Management arrangements on Island.”
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
7 October 2010
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