Despite complaints, BVI power outages have actually declined

Despite numerous complaints about frequent power outages across the territory, the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) insists that electricity supply in the BVI has actually improved over the years.

According to the corporation, residents and businesses appear less tolerant of interruptions as the growing demand for constant connectivity has made even brief interruptions feel disruptive.

“The fact is that statistics show that we have fewer power outages than we had in the past; that’s a statistical fact,” BVIEC General Manager Dr. Neil Smith told the Talking Points show.

“What we recognise is that the customer base is a lot less tolerant than it was before. A couple of years ago, if someone’s power was off for a day, they’d complain a little bit, but it wouldn’t be a big deal. Right now, if your power is off for ten minutes, it’s a problem.”

The complaints reflect years of frustration in the BVI, where inconsistent power supply has long been a sore point. For many residents and businesses, outages remain a disruption to daily life and a costly hindrance to operations, even if the statistics suggest progress.

Damion Grange, the programme’s host, pointed out that electricity today is far more central to the territory’s economic activity than in the past. He highlighted the growing “digital nomad” tourism market as one example of why outages are seen as unacceptable.

“The economic engine of the country has become more reliant on electricity, and because we are now operating in a globally connected world, it is essential that we have reliable supply,” Grange said. “The new wave of tourism now is ‘nomad tourism’ where persons work remotely. And we want the BVI to be an attractive space for that, so reliable electricity and internet are key.”

Dr. Smith acknowledged the frustrations felt by many, noting that while the BVI compares favourably to some regional neighbours, including St. Thomas, BVIEC is not using that as an excuse.

“We don’t have any excuses,” he said. “Things would happen a bit faster if we have more financial resources, but it is what it is, we do the best with what we have. I think the public needs to be reassured again that we don’t like when the power is off either. The interesting thing is that we at BVIEC are our own customers, and sometimes when we’re busy trying to get your power on in your homes, our homes are without power. So we feel it just like everybody.”

Countries in the Caribbean continue to struggle with frequent power outages despite the increasing reliance on technology and global connectivity in the region.

Reliable electricity supply is also linked to healthcare, education, finance, and the tourism product on which these economies depend. As reliance grows, so too does society’s demand for a power supply that is similar to the services in developed countries.