If efforts to clear a clogged seawater intake pipe come off as planned, the territory could have power and water back by the end of Tuesday, BVI Electricity Corporation General Manager Leroy Abraham said shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.
The power outage was caused when surges from Tropical Storm Irene pushed open an emergency access hatch in the intake pipe, which extends almost 1,000 feet offshore, Mr. Abraham said. After the hatch opened, it filled with rocks and dirt, which blocked seawater needed to cool generators at the Pockwood Pond plant.
“As soon as we can get water into [the plant] then we’ll be able to start up all the units,” Mr. Abraham said.
Until then, a limited power supply will be available from two generating units at Long Bush and one unit at Pockwood Pond that doesn’t require seawater, he said. Priority will be given to Road Town’s financial and commercial districts, as well as water production facilities, he added.
In the meantime, he said, the BVIEC is asking the public to conserve as much electricity as possible.
See the Aug. 25, 2011 edition for full coverage.