ROAD TOWN, Tortola, Virgin Islands — The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is calling on heavy equipment operators across the Territory to contact the utility before carrying out work near electrical infrastructure, following a series of recent incidents that have resulted in damage to power lines and equipment.
According to BVIEC, several cases—including incidents reported as recently as last week—have involved heavy machinery coming into contact with the Corporation’s infrastructure, leading to damage and, in some instances, electricity outages affecting customers.
The Corporation said it has observed an alarming increase in such occurrences and is urging contractors, companies, operators and private individuals to exercise greater caution when working near overhead power lines, poles, transformers, underground cables and other electrical assets.
BVIEC noted that operators of cranes, hymacs, backhoes, cement trucks, pump trucks and other large machinery are among those most likely to encounter electrical infrastructure during construction and excavation activities.
The utility emphasized that its infrastructure carries high-voltage electricity and poses significant dangers if struck by equipment or otherwise disturbed. Such incidents can result in serious injuries, fatalities, extensive property damage and prolonged service interruptions to surrounding communities.
Transmission and Distribution Engineer Leroy Abraham said the Corporation is making a direct appeal to operators to seek guidance before commencing work.
“We are pleading with heavy equipment operators to contact BVIEC before working near our infrastructure,” Abraham stated. “If there is any uncertainty about where our underground cables are located, or whether your equipment may come too close to overhead lines, please call us before proceeding.”
Abraham described the recent increase in incidents as a serious concern due to the potential risks involved.
“These situations can become dangerous very quickly,” he said. “Damage to electrical infrastructure is not only costly and disruptive, but it also places the operator, workers on site, BVIEC crews and members of the public at serious risk. Our priority is to prevent injury, prevent loss of life and maintain a safe and reliable electricity supply for our customers.”
BVIEC is advising operators to provide at least 24 hours’ notice before undertaking work near electrical infrastructure, particularly where there is uncertainty regarding the location of underground cables or required clearance distances from power lines.
The Corporation said advance notification allows its technical teams to provide professional guidance that can help prevent accidents, reduce damage to infrastructure and minimize service disruptions.
Contractors, heavy equipment operators and members of the public seeking assistance are encouraged to contact BVIEC at 852-4600 before beginning any work near electrical facilities.
BVIEC thanked the public for its cooperation and reiterated its safety message: “When in doubt, call BVIEC before you dig, lift or operate.”