Hamilton,
Bermuda
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) today provided an update on power restoration efforts following post tropical cyclone Idalia.
BELCO Crews worked until Midnight on Saturday, September 2nd and resumed work this morning to continue restoring power to approximately 540 customers who remained without power as of 1 pm.
Customers are advised that as restoration efforts continue, they may experience temporary outages as crews de-energise circuits to safely effect repairs. As a result, outage numbers will fluctuate throughout this process.
Additionally, as outages reduce, each restoration initiative will require more manpower and time to resolve. Once resolved, each restoration project will see smaller numbers of customers restored.
Managing Director of Transmission, Distribution and Retail (TD&R) Shelly Leman said: “Bermuda was battered by storm force winds from Idalia over a sustained period which caused outages across the island. We have deployed all our resources to get power restored to all customers as quickly and safely as possible and I thank the public for their continued patience as this work continues.”
The vast majority of power outages were caused by vegetation coming into contact with BELCO’s overhead network. Ms Leman added: “I urge property owners to clear up debris from the storm and ensure trees are cut back from power lines in case we are impacted by another storm this season.”
Property owners should keep vegetation on their property trimmed at least 10 feet away from BELCO power lines. BELCO works to ensure that trees are cut back near main line circuits and some branch lines. Should property owners wish to trim their trees, it is critically important to remember that a power line’s electricity must be disconnected before trimming trees next to it. To schedule a temporary outage for tree trimming safety, property owners can call BELCO at 295-5111 or email .