VI has fewer power outages but customers 'less tolerant'- Dr Neil M. Smith

-Co-host Damion C. Grange said the local economic engine is now more reliant on electricity

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General Manager of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), Dr Neil M. Smith, has said statistics show the territory is experiencing fewer power outages; however, customers seem to be less tolerant towards power outages than before. Photo: Facebook

General Manager, Dr Neil M. Smith (second from right) was the guest on Talking Points on September 8, 2025. Photo: Facebook

BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- The General Manager of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), Dr Neil M. Smith, has said statistics show the territory is experiencing fewer power outages; however, customers seem to be less tolerant towards power outages than before.

During Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, September 8, 2025, Dr Smith said the BVIEC understands that, but it is a challenge.

“If we’re looking at just plain statistics, we’re doing better than we were. If you look at acceptability, we’re doing a lot worse. A couple of years ago, if someone’s power is off for a day, they complain a little bit, but it wouldn’t be a big deal; right now, if the power is off for twenty minutes, it’s a problem.”

VI’s economic engine more reliant on electricity now- Damion C. Grange

Co-host Damion C. Grange stated that a large part of this is that the economic engine of the country has become more reliant on electricity.

“We’re now operating in a globally connected world. It is essential that we have reliable [power].”

He added that he is also thinking about marketing the VI as a destination for the new wave of tourism called “nomad tourism”, where people travel and “work in a lovely environment”.

The VI, he said, should be an attractive space for such tourists and therefore it should offer what these tourists look for, which is reliable electricity and internet.

Dr Smith, while agreeing, said that the VI’s electricity service is “more reliant” than its neighbour’s, adding, “When you compare it to the other Caribbean islands, we’re not much different.”

We’re our own customers- Dr Smith

Meanwhile, Dr Smith said the BVIEC has a mandate to meet, and that is what the company has been doing.

“We don’t have any excuses, I mean, things would happen a little bit faster if we had more resources, but it is what it is, you do the best you can do with what you have.”

He also reassured the public that the Territory’s only power company does not like it when there is a power outage.

Dr Smith added, “The interesting thing about BVIEC employees is that we are our own customers, and sometimes when we’re busy trying to get your power on, in our own homes our power is not on…we feel it just like everybody else does.”

9 Responses to “VI has fewer power outages but customers 'less tolerant'- Dr Neil M. Smith”

Yhh (10/09/2025, 10:39) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
less tolerant because the bill sky rocketting for the same mediocre service, so of course we extra mad that we spending more than 3x the amount we were spending 5 years ago to still have power outages and for so long at a time aswell
VG (10/09/2025, 11:30) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
Mr Smith Doing a great Job.
Hum (10/09/2025, 11:32) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
Are you joking
There is a Pole just about to fall in Spyglass hill,we have call many times
NOTHING HAPPENNED,NOTHING
the day it fall no more power for all of us
Just fix it
HMMM (10/09/2025, 11:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
I just want to know who the head lady is?! She like to say she dont care about nobody!! Especially those on VG!!!!we need to know who she is! Cause she’s very heartless
Societal dysfunction (10/09/2025, 11:40) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
People tired. We watch our paycheck dissappear each month while basic necessities cannot be excpected.
Margret Thatcher (10/09/2025, 12:21) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
If the government would pay it's bills the BVIEC would have the resources to provide a more stable network with less outages.
FIRE (10/09/2025, 13:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
To many Bviec vehicles driving around 24/7 doing personal runs. Then the consumers have to pay for that.
Hazel E Roberts (10/09/2025, 14:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
And the Bviec linesman are doing the work hot or energize so the customers don't know magnitude of such reliable service the risk it entails, unless a car knock out a pole or fire burn a pole it is carried out hotline.
That's my specialty and I love it.
usvi (10/09/2025, 14:51) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
Boy we wish we had stable electricity like you all over there. It’s like WAPA taking off our every 2 days for long periods , sometimes a whole day without power.

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VI has fewer power outages but customers 'less tolerant'- Dr Neil M. Smith

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