Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited (BPL) is preparing to begin the initial stage of restoration in New Providence as Hurricane Matthew exits our area.

BPL advises that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has not given the all clear; therefore, crews cannot carry out a full assessment of the damage on New Providence in order to begin restoration work.  The company advises that once NEMA issues the all clear, crews will be out immediately carrying out assessments so that BPL can mobilize restoration teams on the island.

Preparing for that, BPL has already carried out assessments of its Blue Hills Power Station and several substations and are now prepared to provide service to critical departments including the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Headquarters.

Based on the reports of our customers, BPL anticipates widespread damage to its distribution network in New Providence and this could mean longer periods of supply interruption for customers.

You can help:
1. Once the all-clear is issued and our initial assessments are complete, BPL crews will be working.  We encourage anyone who does not have to be on the streets to please stay indoors as heavy traffic could hamper the restoration effort.
2. Customers are encouraged to continue reporting damage to BPL’s Command Centre at 302-1800 or 323-5561 or BPL’s Facebook page if they have phone services available.
3. Be patient. The damage is likely significant in New Providence and it will take time to complete the restoration work.

Similar to New Providence, BPL is already starting to restore supply to customers in the Southeastern and Central Bahamas. Supply has been restored to parts of Cat Island and South Andros and fully restored in Rum Cay, Long Cay San Salvador, Mayaguana, and Crooked Island. Efforts are underway to begin restoring supply in Long Island.

Supply remains off in Exuma and Eleuthera.

BPL’s operations in Bimini, Great Harbour Cay and Abaco are presently being impacted by the storm.