Generator Shipment to Grand Cay Delayed, BPL Provides Update

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – For residents of Grand Cay, the wait continues, going more than two weeks without reliable power, meanwhile Bahamas Power and Light says the rental generator meant to provide relief is now expected to reach the island sometime on Tuesday night.

That’s the latest timeline after a series of delays pushed back the generator’s arrival.

BPL announced last Wednesday that the unit was on its way, with the expectation that it would be installed and tested by Friday.

But Friday came and went, and Grand Cay remained without a reliable power supply.

In a statement, BPL explained the shipping company was not notified until late Friday that it had been selected to transport the generator.

There were also initial delays in getting the unit released from the rental company, with key personnel unavailable at the time.

The generator was eventually released on Saturday after being serviced, and by Sunday, the shipping company had taken possession.

BPL then said the unit was expected to arrive today, but Our News learned this afternoon that timeline had slipped again.

This as the power company revealed getting it to the island proved to be another challenge.

BPL Northern Regional Manager Marvin Green says the resort where the generator was supposed to be loaded did not provide access to the barge captain, and an alternative had to be found.

Marvin Green – Northern Regional Manager, BPL

“The captain had made an attempt to start the journey. However, he could not because the tide was too low. And so right now they have to wait. We have to wait to work with the tides.”

And Green says BPL is also being extra cautious after the last rental generator was sent to Grand Cay.

Marvin Green – Northern Regional Manager, BPL

“There was a mishap in transit and that generator could not perform. We don’t want to repeat that mistake. We want to do it expeditiously, but cautiously.”

BPL says it is also working on a long-term solution.

The company adds it is developing a generation plan for the island that would add capacity, provide backup generation and reduce the risk of one failed unit leaving the entire community without power.

Meanwhile, the power giant says it will send a team to Grand Cay to assess reports of losses or electrical damage caused by the outages.

Residents are being asked to provide photographs, receipts, invoices, repair reports and other supporting documentation to assist with the assessment and any potential reimbursement.