BPL COO: “We Have Seen an Increase in Demand and We’re Approaching Our Capacity”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Just days after an island-wide blackout in the capital plunged homes and businesses into darkness for hours, Bahamas Power and Light COO, Anthony Christie, now says the country’s power grid is under intense pressure.

Anthony Christie – Chief Operating Officer, BPL

“We are in a period of high temperatures, high demand on our system, so we’re seeing some outages occur that are not common or not frequently seen by us during the summer period.”

Christie adds that the blistering summer heat is driving electricity demand to levels the system is struggling to handle.

Now, the company is calling on customers to do their part before the grid is pushed even further.

However, the appeal isn’t just aimed at residents.

Anthony Christie – Chief Operating Officer, BPL

“We’re also asking larger customers, government entities to assist us in managing their demand so that we can gain control that we have and improve our service that we deliver to the customers.”

Anthony Christie – Chief Operating Officer, BPL

“We have asked government agencies to revert to their generators during peak demand time to allow private or residential customers and small businesses the availability for energy for them.”

Meanwhile, as thousands prepare to travel for regattas and holiday celebrations across the country, concerns were raised about whether the already strained grid can keep up.

Christie says they are already one step ahead.

Anthony Christie – Chief Operating Officer, BPL

“One regatta this weekend in particular, Cat Island, we sent extra teams there, extra support and manpower on the technical side to help with any issues.”