Press Release October 4, 2009 – For immediate Release – From the Electricity Department
Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2009
Over the past few months the Electricity Department and Ministry as a whole have been making tremendous strides in providing a reliable service to its customers, but unfortunately we have experienced some difficulties with one of our generators.
Over the weekend the KV12 #1 developed a problem which resulted in the need for extensive maintenance which could last in excess of one month. In addition the problem has been made more acute with two Caterpillar 3616, which have been out of service for almost a year due to major damage. It is the recommendation of the manufacturers’ representative that both Caterpillar engines be decommissioned and replaced.
Currently, the peak demand for the nation is 24.5MW, which can be covered by the system in its current configuration, without reserve. The department is in the process of installing and commissioning a new MAN 4.0MW Holeby engine which would come on stream within the next few weeks bringing the capacity to 28.6MW without the KV12 #1 engine which is being repaired.
After the Holeby engine has been placed online the system will again have adequate reserve. In the mean time, the department will be forced to implement a load shedding program during the peak period from Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays between the hours of 8a.m. to 4p.m in order to maintain adequate spinning reserve. The department expects that no area will be without electricity for more that three hours at a time. The department and the Ministry continues to have the cooperation of the private sector in utilizing their individual generators.
A load shedding schedule is attached. Please note this schedule is subject to changes as the system is a dynamic one.
Any changes will be communicated to the general public in a timely manner.
The Electricity Department deeply regrets the inconvenience that the interruption in supply of electricity has caused.
Management
Load Shedding Schedule
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Area | Time |
Bayfords Feeder – Taylor Range to Bayfords Sandy Point feeder – Palmetto Point to Gibbon Hill, Dieppe Bay | 8am to 10am |
Cayon feeder – Canada Estate to Dieppe Bay Bird Rock | 10am to 12pm |
Basseterre North Extension – Buckley to Palmetto Point Frigate Bay (Coury) – North Eastern Section of Frigate Bay including Half Moon | 12pm to 2pm |
Basseterre North-Malone Avenue to Buckley’s Frigate Bay (Patio)-South Western section of Frigate Bay including Horizon Villa and Calypso Bay | 2pm to 4pm |
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Area | Time |
Business Generators | 8am to 4pm |
Kind Regards,
C. Jomo Williams
Operations Engineer
Generation Division
St. Kitts Electricity Department
Tel: 869 466 3421 ext. 328
Fax: 869 465 1768
Cel: 869 762 9880
