January 30, 2012
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BEC blames 'system disturbances' for New Providence blackouts
THE BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation blamed "system disturbances" for the two power outages that left 40 per cent of New Providence in darkness for several hours on Monday night.
Almost all power is restored to Long Island after Hurricane Joaquin
NEARLY 100 per cent of customers on Long Island affected by Hurricane Joaquin have had their power restored by the Bahamas Elecricity Corporation (BEC).
BEC layoffs ‘likely’ - but not hundreds
PRESIDENT of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Paul Maynard yesterday said that layoffs at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation are “likely” and “to be expected” when the new management company takes over, however he said it will not be in the “hundreds” as is now being speculated.
BEC: Eastern New Providence residents should brace for 'periodic' supply interruptions
RESIDENTS In eastern New Providence should brace themselves for “periodic" supply interruptions over the next few weeks as the Bahamnas Electricity Corporation (BEC) carries out planned improvement exercises in the area.
BEC restores power to 15 customers on Crooked Island
FIFTEEN customers on Crooked Island affected by Hurricane Joaquin have had their power supplies connected, a statement from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) said on Friday.
Faulty circuit breaker to blame for new BEC outage
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation yesterday blamed a “faulty circuit breaker” for a power outage that left 25 per cent of New Providence without electricity for hours on Thursday morning.
Engine failure blamed for BEC power cuts
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation yesterday said “engine failure” was the cause of several power outages in eastern and central New Providence on Monday night and Tuesday.
BEC restores power to 80% of affected homes
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation has restored supply to “approximately 80 per cent” of customers affected by Hurricane Joaquin, officials said yesterday.
BREAKING NEWS: BEC bribe taker expected to be charged on Friday morning
POLICE are expected to bring charges on Friday morning against a man in connection with the 2003 bribery allegations at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC).
BEC blames transmission line fault for latest blackout
OFFICIALS at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) on Friday blamed a fault on an overhead transmission line for an outage that left nearly half of New Providence in darkness.
Lower electric rate delayed by BEC transition
THE protracted management transition at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation has hampered the government’s ability to lock in a good rate for consumers, according to a source close to the process.
Island-wide blackout caused by lightning
OFFICIALS at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation said two major lightning strikes at the corporation’s Clifton Power Station yesterday were the “root” cause of an island-wide power outage.
Deputy PM hopes that new BEC board will be named next week
ONE WEEK after signing a transitional services agreement with PowerSecure, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he is hopeful that the new board of directors for the Bahamas Electrical Corporation would be named next week.
Accidentally-cut wires blamed for latest power outage
OFFICIALS from Bahamas Electricity Corporation have said “damaged wires” were to blame for power outages experienced in the eastern section of New Providence yesterday.
BREAKING NEWS: Lightning strike knocks out power - BEC expects supply to be restored by noon
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) has blamed lightning strikes for widespread power outages in New Providence early this morning.
Residents suffer power cuts again
RESIDENTS in some areas of New Providence suffered through power cuts yesterday due to challenges with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s generation network.
BEC: Union expects layoffs with new management but will negotiate to 'benefit' public
LAYOFFS at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) are likely as incoming management intends to lower electricity costs dramatically, according to a union chief yesterday.
How are the BEC power cuts affecting you?
As another island-wide blackout causes misery for businesses and residents, frustration with BEC continues to mount.
Months later, still no one named in BEC bribe scandal
NEARLY three months after the revelation that a French energy company paid more than $300,000 to a Bahamian government official to secure a BEC contract over a decade ago, the identity of the person that allegedly accepted the bribe remains a mystery.
‘A lot of work’ to stop BEC grid collapsing
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday there is “a lot of work to do” at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation before the summer to “prevent the entire grid from collapsing” causing further widespread power outages during the peak season.
BEC: Supply completely restored after island-wide blackout
THE electricity supply to New Providence and Paradise Island has been restored completely, Bahamas Electricity Corporation officials said yesterday.
BEC power station fire causes major outage
A "fire in the trenches" at the Blue Hills power station caused a massive power outage across New Providence on Friday afternoon, Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) chairman Leslie Miller has confirmed. And he warned customers to expect disruption in supply until Sunday.
PM taking time over BEC announcement
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he has not made any announcements on Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s restructuring because he wants to be “absolutely sure” that any government decision made is in the best interest of the country.
BEC union: If Miller sues, truth will be revealed
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said yesterday he “welcomed a lawsuit” from Bahamas Electricity Corporation Chairman Leslie Miller if it means “the truth will finally be revealed”.
No police probe over BEC bribe
POLICE are not currently investigating the alleged bribing of a Bahamian official in connection with Bahamas Electricity Corporation contracts awarded nearly 15 years ago, The Tribune understands.
Work-to-rule ended by BEC union
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard yesterday said the union has decided to be the “bigger person” in its feud with BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller and stop the work-to-rule it began earlier this week.
Companies refusing to do business with BEC
TWO local companies have refused to do business with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation because the “cash-strapped” organisation has outstanding accounts with balances in the thousands, according to BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller yesterday.
Six engines shut down - and leave much of New Providence in darkness
POWER outages continued in New Providence yesterday after six engines at the Clifton Pier Power Plant shut down Monday afternoon.
Demonstration expected today by hundreds of BEC workers
HUNDREDS of Bahamas Electricity Corporation workers are expected to demonstrate in front of the corporation’s main office today, protesting BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller’s refusal to ratify the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union’s industrial contract.
BEC union 'will strike' if Miller fails to honour deal
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said the unions representing workers at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation will “go on strike” if Executive Chairman Leslie Miller refuses to honour an industrial contract the union has “already negotiated with the government”.
Concern over BEC fuel spill
ENVIRONMENTALIST Sam Duncombe yesterday raised concerns about “serious health implications” and possible contamination of the water table following the leakage of fuel from a Bahamas Electricity Corporation line that runs from Clifton to the Blue Hills Power Plant.
More power outages - due to 'generation challenges'
POWER outages in pockets of New Providence yesterday were due to ongoing “generation challenges”, Bahamas Electricity Corporation spokeswoman Arnette Ingraham said.
Davis: BEC overhaul to cost 'between $50m and $500m'
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday that it may cost between $50m and $500m to overhaul the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.
BEC plan to buy generators branded a waste of money
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Paul Maynard said yesterday the corporation’s proposed plan to buy generators is a “waste of money”.
Lightning strikes blamed for latest power outage
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation once again blamed lightning strikes for widespread power outages in New Providence over the weekend.
BEC to spend $6m on new generators
THE BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation is expected to purchase five or six new generators in the coming weeks for about $6 million, the corporation’s Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said yesterday.
BEC seeks to buy or lease six new generators
A TEAM of engineers from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation is in Florida today to purchase or lease six new generators for the New Providence and Family Islands, the corporation’s Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said yesterday.
Union concern over secretive BEC revamp
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said yesterday the government will not get the union’s support in the reform of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation if it continues to be “secretive” about the bidding process.
Power out again as BEC fights shortfall
SEVERAL areas in eastern and western New Providence experienced power outages yesterday as the Bahamas Electricity Corporation battled a power generation shortfall, officials said yesterday.
Govt tightlipped on BEC as August deadline arrives
OFFICIALS remained tight-lipped over the government’s decision on the restructuring of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation yesterday.
BEC union: Miller has gone too far
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said yesterday that Bahamas Electricity Corporation Executive Chairman Leslie Miller will “regret the day he opened his mouth” if he reveals any employee’s personal information to the public.
Miller and Neymour at odds over blackouts
A ROW has erupted between Bahamas Electricity Corporation Chairman Leslie Miller and former State Minister for the Environment Phenton Neymour over the cause of the frequent blackouts that have affected New Providence this summer.
BEC: No load-shedding expected this weekend
OFFICIALS at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation yesterday said they did not expect to undertake any load-shedding over the weekend, explaining that the power cuts experienced throughout this week have been solved.
BEC confirms load shedding will continue across Nassau
THOUSANDS of customers can expect further disruption in power supply as the Bahamas Electricity Corporation continues load-shedding until it is able to rectify serious problems at both of its New Providence plants, according to Deputy General Manager of BEC Shavon Cambridge.
Power out yet again - and BEC blames a thunderstorm
NUMEROUS areas in New Providence were again without power for at least five hours following a fierce thunderstorm in western New Providence yesterday morning.
BEC says it is 'doing its best'
BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation spokesperson Arnette Ingraham said yesterday that the company is currently “doing its best” to maintain electricity supply to the country with “an aging fleet of engines.”
BEC optimism shortlived as power cuts continue
NUMEROUS areas in New Providence were again without power yesterday despite assurances from Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) officials that residents would not experience service disruptions this week.
BEC foresees no power disruptions this week
AFTER a small percentage of Bahamas Electricity Corporation customers were left without power on Monday, officials predicted yesterday that residents in New Providence will not experience any disruptions to services as the week progresses.
HAVE YOUR SAY: BEC power cuts
How have the BEC power cuts affected you, at home or at work? Leave your comments below:
BEC chairman blamed for financial problems
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard yesterday blamed BEC chairman Leslie Miller for the corporation’s current financial problems.
Can govt be trusted over BEC deal?
WITH details of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s restructuring shrouded in secrecy, Bahamians should not trust the government to finalise a “good deal”, the Democratic National Alliance leader said yesterday.
Davis quiet on bidders for BEC
WORKS Minister Philip Davis remained tight-lipped yesterday over how many bidders were vying for each of the two contracts expected to reform BEC operations and reduce the cost of electricity.
No Bahamian companies in running for BEC
THERE are no Bahamian companies in the running for the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s restructuring and privatisation as the bidding process enters its final stage.
Christmas bonus for BEC staff deferred
BEC employees will have less of a Merry Christmas this year, as the Corporation has decided to “defer” Christmas bonuses because of “financial constraints”, The Tribune understands.
Government approves BEC double dipping
THE government has officially sanctioned the practice of “double dipping” by BEC employees, reversing an order to withhold the salary of workers already collecting NIB sick benefits, union leader Stephano Greene announced yesterday.
Union praises the government for over-ruling Miller decision on sick pay
BEWU president Stephano Greene yesterday commended the government for overriding the decision to block BEC employees from collecting both National Insurance and a full salary while on sick leave.
Warning of 'uproar' if BEC stops double dipping
THE Bahamas Electrical Workers Union has turned up the heat on its threat to take legal and industrial action against the government, union president Stephano Greene told The Tribune yesterday.
Talks begin today to end BEC union dispute
MEMBERS of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union will start conciliation talks today at the Ministry of Labour as a result of a trade dispute filed by the union more than two weeks ago.
Power trip causes island-wide blackout
A POWER trip at the Clifton Station caused yesterday’s island wide blackout, BEC Chairman Leslie Miller said yesterday.
Union chief hits back at BEC ‘double dipping’ accusations
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Stephano Greene said yesterday receiving payments from an employer and National Insurance is not “anything new” and is done in most government agencies and some private corporations.
Worker in hospital after blaze at BEC power station
A FIRE at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s Long Island power station left one employee in hospital and residents on that island without power for hours.
Union to sue Miller and BEC
THE BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union is suing the Bahamas Electricity Corporation and Executive Chairman Leslie Miller, according to union president Stephano Greene.
BEC to build underwater wall to stop oil leakage
THE BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation will construct a underwater wall to stop the haemorrhaging of oil in the Clifton area.
Renewable provider proposes solar for 25% BEC needs
A BAHAMIAN renewable provider has presented the Government with an “energy mix” proposal to allow for 25 per cent of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) daytime generating capacity to be derived from solar power.
Report due on 'sabotage'
THE preliminary report into a case of sabotage at BEC’s Clifton Pier Power Plant is expected this week, with initial indications suggesting the wires were cut by “professionals”, chairman Leslie Miller said.
Electricity restored to 99% of customers
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation said last night it completed the restoration of electricity supply to the more than 99 per cent of customers in New Providence following widespread flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Power restored in wake of storm
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation said yesterday it had restored electricity supplies to the majority of consumers hit by the storm.
Call for inquiry into BEC records
DESPITE the government’s attempts to pull in the reins on the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, a former Cabinet Minister wants the Christie administration to launch an independent inquiry into BEC’s financial records.
$250m BEC bond yet to launch
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) $250 million bond issue has still not gone to market, although a Cabinet Minister believes the Government guarantee should ensure it is fully subscribed.
Power outage shuts private sector down
Businesses yesterday complained that the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) power outage forced them to close their doors for three-four hours, with some having to work late into the night on key documents.
Businesses 'finished' without copper ban
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) chairman yesterday renewed calls for a total ban on copper exports, charging that scrap metal operators were knowingly purchasing stolen material from thieves.
Bid to oust secretary-general of union amid BEC concerns
AS the Bahamas Electricity Corporation takes steps to correct its foundering financial position through measures that will greatly affect staff, one of the company’s union executives is embroiled in conflict.
BEC slashes overtime 54%
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) cut its staff overtime payments by almost 54 per per cent in February, its executive chairman charging that some workers at the Corporation had become accustomed to an extravagant lifestyle as a result of overtime pay.
BEC backs net billing over metering
The BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation (BEC) prefers net billing to net metering, its general manager yesterday pledging that the utility would work with the Government to implement the legislative reforms necessry to facilitate renewable energy growth.
Fuel charge is 60-70% of BEC consumer bills
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) is spending more than $350 million per year on fuel supplies, its general manager telling Tribune Business yesterday that the fuel charge on consumer bills currently accounts for 60-70 per cent of the total.
More staff for BEC to cut down on overtime
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday the government is considering hiring more staff at BEC to “share responsibilities” rather than pay a few workers hundreds of thousands of dollars in overtime.
Electricity out in west
RESIDENTS in Western New Providence were without electricity for most of Tuesday night into Wednesday morning after a transformer went off-line.
BEC plant verdict: 'We got everything we wanted and more'
A leading opponent of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) $105 million Wilson City power plant yesterday said “we got everything and more that we wanted” from Monday’s Court of Appeal ruling, suggesting it would force the Government to end the “secrecy” that surrounded major investment and public works projects.
Court orders BEC: 'fully consult' on $105m power plant
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) has been ordered by the Court of Appeal to engage in “full and proper public consultation” over the operation of its new $105 million Abaco power plant, a move the project’s opponents yesterday described as “a victory for the entire Bahamian public”.
Ex-BEC chair: 12-hour days were eliminated
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) former executive chairman said yesterday that during his tenure some staff worked seven-day weeks, and 12 hours per day, to cope with the Clifton Pier power plant’s maintenance backlog.
BEC chair targets 25$ cost reduction
BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation (BEC) chairman, Leslie Miller, yesterday said getting the Clifton Power station “up to scratch” could reduce electricity costs by as much as 25 per cent, adding that he was aiming for a 70/30 power generation split between that site and the Blue Hills power station.
Ex-BEC chairman: Tariff cut return will 'spell disaster'
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation's (BEC) former executive chairman believes it is "vitally important" for the new government and Board to pick up where he and their predecessors left off, warning that a return to the tariff-cutting policies of 2002-2007 would "spell disaster".
BEC still trying to establish cause of island-wide outage
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation is still investigating the cause of yesterday's island-wide power outage that left thousands of customers without se
BEC: Over 60% of clients were 'non-performing'
MORE than 60 per cent of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation's (BEC) 102,444 customers were over 90 days past due in paying their bills at the recession's peak, it has been revealed, with the monopoly power provider seeing a major decrease in its current solvency deficiency to $17.75 million at the end of its 2010 financial year.
BEC fires assistant managers
TWO assistant general managers at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation were fired late yesterday afternoon, one of them reportedly having just returned from vacation.
BEC chairman: Renewable firm 'mischaracterised' RFP-end response
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor BEC's executive chairman has told Tribune Business that the Corporation's renewable energy tender (RFP) ended because no proposal met its required standards, adding that his answer on this had been "mischaracteris
Renewable energy firm 'sidelined' by BEC on tender
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor A renewable energy provider has told Tribune Business it felt "sidelined" by the Bahamas Electricity Corporation's (BEC) decision to close its open bidding process and then subsequently sign an agreement with Ocea
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