As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins, the Barbados Light & Power Company (BL& P) has declared itself storm-ready, unveiling its final substation upgrade at Maynards, St Peter, a significant milestone in the utility’s islandwide modernisation programme.
Speaking at the launch, director of operations Johann Greaves reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safeguarding customers and infrastructure during extreme weather events.
“Light & Power is ready for the 2025 hurricane season,” he said.
“We have over 400 employees trained and participating in simulations throughout the year to respond to any event.”
The Maynards substation marks the completion of a major transformation: all 18 of BL& P’s substations now house their switchgear indoors, rather than exposed to the elements. Previously, the switchgear – key equipment for distributing electricity from generation stations – was installed outdoors, making it vulnerable during hurricanes.
“With switchgear exposed to the weather, any hurricane meant major risk and potentially longer restoration times,” explained Wilfred Clarke, distribution supervisor of operations. “Now, the equipment at Maynards, like our other upgraded stations, is indoors and better protected, enhancing reliability and safety.”
These upgrades form part of BL& P’s broader hurricane readiness framework, which includes early procurement of critical materials such as transformers and poles. Supply chain issues experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the company to diversify its supplier base across the United States and Europe, and as a result, BL& P now has a robust stock of transformers and essential materials on island.
In addition to hardware improvements, BL& P continued to refine its restoration strategies. In the event of a storm, crews would work from generation points outward to affected communities, following a carefully sequenced plan.
“We work with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Government agencies and even other Caribbean utilities to ensure coordinated, efficient recovery,” Greaves said.
Last year’s response to Hurricane Beryl, a Category 3 system, was cited as a success, with only 25 per cent of customers impacted and the majority reconnected within a day. Full restoration was achieved within three days.
Communications have also been a focal point. Customers can access updates via social media, traditional media, WhatsApp and the ECA Restore app. BL& P is also strengthening ties with district emergency organisations to ensure information reaches communities, even when power is down.
Greaves advised customers with photovoltaic (PV) systems to disconnect them ahead of any storm for safety and urged homeowners to shut off main breakers if their property sustained damage.
“Safety is our priority. We don’t restore power until the system has been assessed and it’s safe to do so,” he said.
With months of preparation, simulations and infrastructure upgrades now in place, the BL& P has signalled its confidence in meeting the challenges of another hurricane season. (DDS)
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