The BVI Electricity Corporation has a achieved a historical feat following the launch of its new in-house laboratory, making BVIEC one of the only utility companies in the region with advanced fuel and oil testing capabilities. Photo: Facebook

Lab Technician and trained Chemists at BVIEC Shenelle Christopher stated that four equipments have been procured which are a minivis IR, fluid scan, mini vill and the atomic premissial spectra. Photo: Facebook

In a Facebook post, Lab Technician and trained Chemists at BVIEC  Shenelle Christopher stated that four equipment have been procured, which are a minivis IR,  fluid scan, mini vill and the atomic premissial spectra.

Timely results 

She stated ‘’Before, we used to use that third-party lamp, which means that when we collect our representative samples, we will normally send that away to a lab in America, and we would actually get back those results generally within two to three weeks. Now, with the implementation of these products with this equipment, we are able to take samples and tests. The same day, and we can now take corrective action.’’ 

Christopher highlighted the challenges faced by the corporation long ago, adding that with this new intervention, early detection is possible, ''We would only know that something is wrong, generally when we get results, which is basically, like, two to three weeks.’’

She emphasised that the new lab will assist the company in receiving results in a timely manner, stating, ‘’But now that we have this technology here available within 10 minutes, we actually are able to do corrective action.’’

In-house capabilities 

It is considered that this in-house lab makes BVIEC one of those few utility companies in the region, with in-house capabilities to analyse, fuel, and oil quality, ensuring greater efficiency, accuracy, and oversight in its operations.

‘’So, we're basically gonna have less cost now for maintenance, and we're gonna be better equipped to service and give you reliable energy and keep our systems running more often.’’ Christopher further stated.

Lab will be opened to the public & region

The lab technician also stated that the lab will be opened up to the Virgin Island public and the region by extension.

‘’Because we know the  benefits that our lab can offer we do want to open that up to the VI Community and possibly the region, in the future, where they will be able to use our services, and just like us, where they will be able to get results in a timely and efficient manner, so they will also be better able to serve their customers and have more efficient and reliable services.’’