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High electricity use overworking BVIEC generators – Hon Rymer

-says water station is first to go in reducing loads on generator
Residents of the Virgin Islands (VI) are being called upon to reduce their use of electricity by Minister for Communications and Work, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) who announced that as a result of unprecedented high use of electricity in the territory, water woes and other electricity issues have come as a result of measures taken to reduce the load on power generators. Photo; GIS/Facebook
The Minister said the BVIEC has also stated that there are some issues with various generators, issues that have developed concurrently due to the unprecedented high power consumption in the territory by households and businesses. Photo: VINO/File
The Minister said the BVIEC has also stated that there are some issues with various generators, issues that have developed concurrently due to the unprecedented high power consumption in the territory by households and businesses. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Residents of the Virgin Islands (VI) are being called upon to reduce their use of electricity by Minister for Communications and Work, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) who announced that as a result of unprecedented high use of electricity in the territory, water woes and other electricity issues have come as a result of measures taken to reduce the load on power generators.

The Minister was at the time speaking during a press conference today, July 27, 2023, while adding that the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is working assiduously to restore its power generating capacity to optimum levels to adequately meet the needs of the territory.

Power woes receiving highest priority - Hon Rymer 

“Assurance was given that the technical and operational issues that are affecting the reliability of the electrical power supply as of late, which is also affecting the water supply, will be receiving the highest priority,” he said.

The minister said the BVIEC has also stated that there are some issues with various generators, issues that have developed concurrently due to the unprecedented high power consumption in the territory by households and businesses.

“This spike in energy and electricity consumption by residents and businesses has directly led to the overworking of the functional electrical generators responsible for powering the territory and in efforts to balance or regulate the load on the generators, sacrifices are made,” he said. 

Hon Rymer added that sacrifices include the water plant of the Seven Seas Water Corporation which uses 4 megawatts when operating at full capacity, and in order to regulate the load and to balance whether to keep the light on, the water plant is usually the first acts to save energy by cutting production or being moved completely offline.

Save energy - Hon Rymer 

“The result of this decision has been what residents have been experiencing in their homes and businesses with the turning off of the water supply. We are aware that water is a necessity and the constant breaches of pipes and the current issues are inconvenience in the public.”

Hon Rymer apologized and ask for patience as authorities work to resolve these issues, “though we are seeing some of the hottest temperatures, where appropriate, we are appealing to the public to conserve electricity by reducing their consumption."

He said saving energy would in turn lower the electricity bill and contribute to lowering the load on the power system, which will also help in reducing the disruptions to the local electricity and water supply. 

40 Responses to “High electricity use overworking BVIEC generators – Hon Rymer”

  • ok (27/07/2023, 11:21) Like (46) Dislike (0) Reply
    So it's our fault and not the shoddy infrastructure. Right.
    • The Hooded Claw (27/07/2023, 23:42) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Last month it was Sargasum seaweed was to blame now today it's the consumers fault. You can't make this up.
  • lodger (27/07/2023, 11:29) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is the pope catholic? Do bears defecate in the woods?
  • Disinterested (27/07/2023, 11:31) Like (40) Dislike (0) Reply
    Socrates must be forget to ask this provocative question. Did the plant designers just plan on current usage and didn’t build in growth and surge capacity in sizing generators. True, it is not practical and cost prohibitive may be plan for all eventualities. But one should expect some reasonable planning. Poor planning and short sightedness. Poor planning is emblematic in VI governing, we are always behind the 8-ball. Common folks, planning, effective planning is fundamental to governing. The Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland notes: If you don’t know where you are going any road will take you there.
    • assumption (27/07/2023, 13:15) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Good questions, though I’m not sure how much design and planning there has been.
      Of course, no surprise about high energy usage during the summer months. The government (who owes BVIEC $ 10 million) uses a lot of a/c in their buildings.
  • Whoa There (27/07/2023, 12:00) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    What in the 3rd world country is this????
    • ... (27/07/2023, 17:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We prefer the term "Developing Nation" yes my people this is our reality & it's time we better wake up to it and stop live in our fantasy worlds. I think the solution is for homes to go solar.
  • Seriously (27/07/2023, 12:02) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    “Where there is no vision, the people perish”, and will be without power, electricity, and running water. All our fault, eh?
  • smh (27/07/2023, 12:02) Like (21) Dislike (11) Reply
    Yall can get vex if yall want but the BVI a third world S**thole country.
  • $250k (27/07/2023, 12:19) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    That was given to certain people could have fixed that issues.
  • POWER MAN (27/07/2023, 12:22) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes, it has been unprecedentedly hot. But what is the causing additional huge demand in KWh? Is it air conditioning? Well most homes in the BVI don’t have central A/C systems. Was it electric ranges? Was it those clothes dryers? Was it water heaters? Was it LED bulbs? Was it the size and condition of the Generators? I’m going with the size and condition of the generators. Disinterested noted that gens should not only be size just for current capacity but also growth and surge capacity. Was our Gens sized with this criterion in mind. E. Leonard talked about the importance of preventative maintenance , etc, to attain the design lifecycle and for reliability and functionality. What is the level of preventative maintenance? From my perspective, generators should be operated an order of magnitude below its design capacity( electrical engineers can correct me on this if needed). Nevertheless, the additional KWH demand alone on BVIEC Gens should not be stressing the units this much. Did we underestimate the demand on sizing the Gens? This is my take. The experts can weigh in and set my a$s$ straight.
    • @Power Man (27/07/2023, 14:24) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      @Power Man, I don’t know shinola about generating power but these people you quoting on generating sizing and preventative maintenance are you sure they anything about power generation and maintenance? Some of them are probably book men. Just asking… for a friend(s).
    • @Power Man (27/07/2023, 15:27) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Power, I’m confused Minister Rymer
      is saying that the increasing load demand is stressing the generators; meanwhile, you are saying that if the generators are sized properly they should be able to safely carry the nominal load increase. Who to believe? Further, Disinterested is saying that generators should be sized not only for current load but also for growth and surge capacity.E. Leonard is stressing the importance of preventative maintenance, etc., in attaining the design lifecycle, as well as operational reliability and functionality. Who qualify to provide expert opinion on sizing and maintenance? Are these people just book men with no experience who are just offering opinions?
      • POWER MAN (27/07/2023, 18:39) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        @@Power, in regards to the expertise of Disinterested and E. Leonard, I don’t know Disinterested or his/her expertise in regards to generator. But E. Leonard is experienced in facility management and facility maintenance.
        • Power Plant Theorist (28/07/2023, 10:36) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
          Interesting discussion on BVIEC power plant operating load capacity. It appears the Gens are not tolerating well the additional power demand on them. From my theoretical perch at the 30,000’ level, there can be a number of contributing factors, including a) generator size relative to the load demand—-generators typically should be rated to operate to about 80-85% of demand load, b) condition of the generators, c) previous run times of generators, d) Gen operating power factor (of), etc. let’s talk a bit about pf, a critical factor in generator active( true power) power output. The typical industry standard for operational pf is 0.8. Consequently, increasing of pf can result in increase energy savings, improved productivity, ensures generator are able to deliver more power to the system. On the other hand, a low or lagging pf reduces the electrical distribution capacity of the generator—less of done true power—, causes system to lose active power, can result in energy inefficiency.

          Moreover, it would be informative and curious to know what the operating power factor of the BVIEC is . What is the cure or fix for a lagging pf? The typical fix is adding capacitors/capacitance to the system. Neil Smith, the current managing director,I’m assuming was hired not only for his managerial skill and experience but also for his technical knowledge ( think he holds an electrical engineering degree), education, etc. As such,,I’m sure or hope he would be working with staff to get system operating at maximum, optimum,, efficient ,operating capacity. Are there other electrical engineers at the BVIEC?
          • RealPol (28/07/2023, 20:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
            @ Power Plant Theorist, the BVIEC Board hired the Neil Smith and other technical staffers to do the staff work on managing the plant economically, efficiently and effectively so that use of electricity can happened seamlessly. When I turn on the light switch, turn on the TV with remote, charging my cell phone, turn on my laptop, desktop, IPad, play my games , etc. without going WTF. That is all customers want.,This power factor, generator sizing, preventative and other maintenance and repair, run times, unit replacement, etc., is for folks who are paid well to do. That is why we hired them. If they won’t or cannot do the job, we should canned them., No more excuses. If bloggers, can put their fingers on what is needed to ensure things run right why can’t the people whose job it is. I bet when these guys were being interviewed for the jobs they could jump over the moon. What happen to the jumping ability? Does not these guys have work plans with performance goals and objectives? If so are they meeting the goals and objectives? Or they are so meaningless and easy that one has to try really hard to fail to meet them?
  • @seriuosly (27/07/2023, 12:32) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    So wait, people can’t use their electricity that they paying for? Take some of that money the Govt. wasting on silly stuff & import decent generators to meet the needs of the people.
    • @@Seriously (27/07/2023, 16:46) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      @@Seriously, you are only paying for the actual number of kilowatt hours used, not potential usage. If the grid is at maximum capacity, it is on all consumers interest and benefit to conserve power usage to the maximum extent possible and practical.
  • WEW (27/07/2023, 12:41) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    ALWAYS someone else's fault. Now it's the public's fault for using too much electricity. UK HELP
  • POWER MAN (27/07/2023, 13:03) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes, it has been unprecedentedly hot. But what is the causing additional huge demand in KWh? Is it air conditioning? Well most homes in the BVI don’t have central A/C systems. Was it electric ranges? Was it those clothes dryers? Was it water heaters? Was it LED bulbs? Was it the size and condition of the Generators? I’m going with the size and condition of the generators. Disinterested noted that gens should not only be size just for current capacity but also growth and surge capacity. Was our Gens sized with this criterion in mind. E. Leonard talked about the importance of preventative maintenance , etc, to attain the design lifecycle and for reliability and functionality. What is the level of preventative maintenance? From my perspective, generators should be operated an order of magnitude below its design capacity( electrical engineers can correct me on this if needed). Nevertheless, the additional KWH demand alone on BVIEC Gens should not be stressing the units this much. Did we underestimate the demand on sizing the Gens? This is my take. The experts can weigh in and set my a$s$ straight.
  • WHILE THE WIGGED ONE (27/07/2023, 13:42) Like (3) Dislike (12) Reply
    PREACHING PROPAGANDA ON RACISM & COLONIALISM WITH HIS RACIALLY MOTIVATED LYRICS , THE PEOPLE WHO IS RUNNING OUR COUNTRY IS BEING EXPOSED AS BEING MISSING IN ACTION , ARE YOU GOING TO BLAME THE BRITS AGAIN AS USUAL OR CINDY
  • Lord o (27/07/2023, 14:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lord Mr. Minister be real, get real with this heat for the past 4 months people's AC and Fans will be over working.. You should know that..So, stop trying to sell us a story that says we need new generators, Thats what they are telling you. Thats their scam to buy new generators and get huge cut backs , that's the pattern.. We don't need new generators, keep those we have service properly..
  • what ever LIE Rymer (27/07/2023, 15:30) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them does LIE!! we been having water issues for years that them still can't get fix, and now blaming the electricity, did we have another ten thousand people moved to the Islands to spike electricity? or are we supposed to die of this heat and not use fan or AC??? Tell us what to do Mr. Minister so we can ensure for this Festival we are not embarrassed by no water or electricity. FIX THE FUCKING WATER AND POWER AND STOP MAKING EXCUSES WITH YOU ALL DUMB ASS
  • Outside (27/07/2023, 15:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    A load of crap. With soaring heat index, it is expected that the use of electricity would increase due to residential increase of air-condition used. Instead of coming to tell here to state that the current government is going to be upgrading the capacity of it's system, you came here telling us to reduce our use. You think we like using our A/C knowing that we going to have a higher bill?
  • Tvip (27/07/2023, 15:52) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    If we converted to solar and wind this problem would go away....
  • lol (27/07/2023, 16:03) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yeah, let's go independent.....I can see a bright future for the BVI
  • In other news... (27/07/2023, 16:05) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    The minister criticized residents for continuing to drink water. If people do not drink water, supplies of drinkable water will be plentiful.
  • HMMM (27/07/2023, 16:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We know the problem. What’s the solution
    WATER. POWER. TRAFFIC LIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ROADS IN DISREPAIR.
  • Hazel E Roberts (27/07/2023, 17:24) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Get some containerized generators, not solar panels which will never fill the gap, it's a green energy funding scam to get monies from international bodies back to some closely attach company to evade tax in their country.
  • 2023 (27/07/2023, 19:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    upgrade the system because it will only get worse because the size of homes being constructed along properties that houses businesses are big structures

    pay attention more to home affairs with the multi million dollar budget we speak about and the leader says we are not broke

    come on pay more attention to home affairs look at the public highways and in the year 2023 some of us have issues with running water like back in the 60s

    we have issues from the 70s and in 2023 still not corrected lack of light along public highways

  • yea (27/07/2023, 19:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    And so what we paying do better mon stop with excuses
  • Tadow (27/07/2023, 20:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    You politician always like to feed people bull sh**. When you upgraded the dam power station, if it was done right first time you won't have to come on air to blow hot air. Government after government has always done things in a sub standard manner.
    A prime example in 2023 look what kind market square you decided to put in Road Town, something you have seen back in 1523. If you all had whisper that concept to a donkey for a joke he would have drive kick in all yo till he couldn't find all yo.

  • Generator Novice (27/07/2023, 20:33) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    A general rule of thumb is to load generatir 75-80% of rated capacity. For example, if a Gen is rated at 100 KW, it typical maximum loading is 80 kw. Another factor that can lower generator true output is a low power factor.,Gen s are often operated at .80pf, which is an optimum rating of 80%.
  • Help it Make Sense (27/07/2023, 22:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I dont understand, how can we have one facility- i.e. the water plant pulling 10% of the available power in the entire territory. Even when its pulling power, people still not getting water. Airport and Complex probably pull another 20 percent of the available MW, so help us understand if we are realistically generating enough power for the 30,000 inhabitants.
  • Visitors (28/07/2023, 14:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have several groups of visitors who cant believe their hotels dont have water after 8.00pm. One group were in Cayman for a week before they came. Perhaps our Ministers should be mandated to visit, i know Cayman has its problems but the infrastructure and tourist product is so far ahead. (Cayman didnt have Irma - but we did refuse $400,000,000!)
  • lol (28/07/2023, 15:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Headline should read "BVIEC generators pop down from lack of maintenance due to Government and Statutory Bodies not paying their bills and residents gaslighted for high energy use"
    • @LOL (29/07/2023, 06:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Lol, I’m little slow, well a lot slow, so the failure to perform maintenance and government not paying its bill part I don’t get. Is government not funding BVIEC to perform maintenance? Is not BVIEC a revenue self supporting center , not a cost center? I told you I was slow. Got it now. Government supposedly owe BVIEC some $10,000,000.00. If true, a bad pay, a dead beat. But wait government is a major shareholder of the BVIEC. Nonetheless, was this $10,000,000 part of the authorized and appropriated O&M budget? Is a ratification needed to authorize this expenditure after the fact?
  • Frig… (29/07/2023, 06:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Frig …..here. Good comments about generator sizing, preventative maintenance, generator loading, power factor, capacitance, etc. Admittedly, I don’t know a frig about these things; I’m just a user of the power. Nuff respect to the bloggers who are sounding off. But way Socrates, Manjack and them those useful frigs? Hope BVIEC is paying attention and taking in this free advice or they too arrogant and proud. Here is news flash you don’t know it all, for if you do we won’t be in this damn state. Swallow your pride and geh ah dun. Dun talk. Frig.. out until next time.
  • Veracity (31/07/2023, 20:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    https://www.bvibeacon.com/a-tale-of-two-power52s-one-company-bid-another-got-the-contract/


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