#Bahamas #Nassau #Electricity Reliability #Bahamas Grid Company #Grid Upgrade

Bahamas Grid Company Reports Strong Early Progress on Foundational Grid Upgrade Project

The Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) has recently published its inaugural Progress Metrics Report six months into its significant Foundational Grid Upgrade Project. This initiative follows a year dedicated to restoration and maintenance activities aimed at enhancing the electricity supply across New Providence. Impressively, progress on this $130 million project has exceeded expectations, being completed 28% faster than initially planned.

Key Improvements and Infrastructure Development

This ambitious undertaking focuses on upgrading the transmission and distribution systems, a vital component for ensuring that the residents of New Providence enjoy a more reliable, resilient, and high-quality power supply. Significant developments include the installation of 144 robust steel poles, replacing outdated wooden structures to withstand Category 5 hurricane conditions. Additionally, 153,120 feet of transmission cable has been upgraded to accommodate future demand and new energy generation sources, along with 42,240 feet of distribution cable to improve service reliability.

In a notable development, the construction of three new substations is underway, aimed at reinforcing the grid’s protection and allowing for power rerouting to avoid widespread outages. These enhancements signify a pivotal step toward building a more sustainable and dependable energy grid.

Leveraging Smart Technology for Efficiency

The Bahamas Grid Company is integrating smart technologies into its operations, leading to tangible improvements in service delivery. Notably, 47 IntelliRupters have been deployed on the grid's high-risk feeders, significantly decreasing outage occurrences and minimizing the impact on customers. The replacement of 137,280 feet of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fiber cable has enabled remote operations and the introduction of advanced protective devices, creating a more integrated and smart grid system.

Alongside this, a new Work Management System is being implemented to streamline the tracking of upgrades and customer connections, marking a first for The Bahamas in providing real-time outage responses.

Visible Benefits for Residents and Businesses

The positive effects of these upgrades are already apparent, with 49,000 homes in historically outage-prone areas experiencing far fewer interruptions. Moreover, load-balancing efforts have improved power quality for approximately 16,000 homes, enhancing the lifespan of numerous household appliances. Proactive maintenance is being carried out over 70 circuit miles in high-risk areas to mitigate damage from potential storms before they can occur. Noteworthy is the staggering 86% reduction in outages reported by customers served by the IntelliRupters.

With just six months into the implementation of the Foundational Grid Upgrade Project, the Bahamas Grid Company is on track to establish a more secure and resilient energy system. This initiative not only signals a substantial commitment to infrastructure improvement but also reinforces the importance of enhancing the quality of life for New Providence’s residents through reliable energy solutions.

About Bahamas Grid Company

Founded through a public-private partnership, the Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) is responsible for managing and operating the transmission and distribution system across New Providence. Its goal is to ensure that the electrical grid is continuously improved and able to meet the growing power demands of its customers.

For further information, visit their website.