Linesmen of the BVI Electricity Corporation conducting live line work at Pockwood Pond on September 3, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Linesman Shaquille Samuel said the main benefit of working on live lines is not having to turn the power off. Photo: Facebook

Four BVIEC linesmen graduated from the inaugural Live-Line Training Programme on July 18, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Linesmen of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) underwent the inaugural Live-Line Training Programme that equipped them with the knowledge and specialised technical skills to carry out maintenance on lines while still energised.

On September 3, 2025, BVIEC’s Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager, Mr Kamal Haynes, spoke with Linesman Shaquille Samuel at Pockwood Pond, who explained the process. 

Relieving the load from one feeder

The team was working at the site of two feeders, Pockwood Pond West and Pockwood Pond East. 

Samuel said there were some difficulties with switches inside the station. 

“We’re trying to eliminate some of the load from the Pockwood Pond East, and we’re trying to put it back on the Pockwood Pond West. So in that way, we take off some load on the Pockwood Pond East on the West.”

No power lost

Samuel added that working with the lines still powered is “more convenient, more better” for customers.

This job would have taken about four to five hours. 

“We don’t have to turn off the power and have the people them wondering when the power is going to come back on…we’re just trying to keep the power on as much as possible without turning it off.”

The Live-Line Training Programme was a 12-week course for BVIEC linesmen, facilitated by United States-based Tim Self, owner of Tim Self Powerline Safety and Training. 

Four linesmen completed the training, graduating on July 18, 2025, including Samuel. 

Sameul said two other live line jobs have already been completed.