The six-member team from BVIEC’s Transmission and Distribution Department departed the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, March 10, and is expected to spend approximately three weeks assisting with the rebuilding of critical electrical infrastructure in storm-affected communities.

The deployment reflects BVIEC’s continued commitment to regional cooperation among Caribbean utilities as Jamaica continues its long-term recovery from the catastrophic damage caused by the late October 2025 hurricane.

This marks the second group of BVIEC personnel sent to assist with the restoration efforts. The corporation’s first team of six technical workers was deployed on Nov. 2, 2025, and returned to the Territory on Dec. 3 after completing a month-long assignment.

During that mission, BVIEC technicians assisted with rebuilding damaged power lines, replacing light poles, and installing new utility poles to help restore electricity service in heavily impacted areas.

The team’s work initially took place in Montego Bay before shifting to Negril, where infrastructure damage was particularly severe.

The latest deployment was made possible with the support of InterCaribbean Airways, which assisted by waiving fees associated with transporting essential tools and equipment required for the mission.

The regional airline also provided logistical support during BVIEC’s first Jamaica deployment and has facilitated similar technical missions across the Caribbean.

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BVIEC officials said crews had been dispatched to affected areas but cautioned that restoration timelines depend on the extent of the damage and continuing adverse weather conditions.

“Our teams have been dispatched and are working diligently, despite the challenging conditions, to restore electricity as quickly and safely as possible,” the corporation said in a statement.

BVIEC urged residents to remain safe during the storm and said further updates will be provided as assessments continue.

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According to BVIEC, preliminary investigations identified a malfunction at the Pockwood Pond Generation Plant as the source of the outage. Technical crews are on site and working to resolve the issue.

Power is expected to be restored within the next hour, according to the utility.

BVIEC issued a statement acknowledging the outage and apologizing for the disruption.

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The STEP initiative, spearheaded by the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), aims to alleviate the burden of high electricity bills while advancing the transition to cleaner energy sources.

“Under the STEP initiative, BVIEC will cover the upfront costs of equipment and installation, marking a significant departure from traditional models,” Minister Rymer explained. “Participants will benefit from grid tie systems, harnessing solar energy to offset reliance on imported fuel and reduce overall electricity expenses.”

Minister Rymer emphasised the critical importance of sustainable energy adoption, particularly in the face of global challenges and the imperative to combat climate change.

“National outcome number nine of the National Sustainable Development Plan speaks to the adoption of sustainable energy, which would lower our reliance on imported fuel and introduce more renewable types of energy,” stated Minister Rymer, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions for the territory.

The initiative, Minister Rymer emphasized, is designed to empower residents and enhance the territory’s resilience against external economic shocks. By leveraging duty-free import status and strategic procurement practices, BVIEC aims to procure components at the lowest possible cost, ensuring maximum savings for participants.

“To facilitate widespread adoption, BVIEC will engage certified installers, providing them with invaluable experience in solar technology installation,” Minister Rymer noted. “This not only supports the STEP program but also fosters new business ventures aligned with the territory’s climate change agenda.”

Minister Rymer urged residents to register their interest in the STEP program, emphasising its role in driving economic growth and improving quality of life in the Virgin Islands. With projected payback periods as short as under two years, the initiative promises tangible benefits for both participants and the broader community.

In a tangible example provided by Minister Rymer, a customer with an annual usage of 15,624 kilowatts could expect savings of over $2,700 per year with the implementation of a grid tie system, demonstrating the transformative potential of solar technology in reducing electricity costs.

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