Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, September 11, 2008 - PPC's CEO Eddinton Powell and the Executive Team made a visit to the islands of North and South Caicos on Wednesday to assess the damage done by hurricanes Ike and Hanna.
There were mixed expectations on the damage witnessed; some areas received more damage than reported while other areas fared better. However, based on the assessment, below is an update on the company's restoration efforts.
Middle Caicos:
Although power has been restored to a limited number of customers, the island is currently on standby generation. Efforts are being made to keep the generation going. The line between Middle and North Caicos was destroyed and has to be reconstructed. Crew, equipment and materials will be in Middle Caicos next week to restore full power to the island.
North Caicos:
Power has been fully restored to the areas of Sandy Point, Kew and Whitby. PPC estimates that full power will be restored to all its customers within two weeks. Mr. Powell applauded the residents of North Caicos for their community spirit. "It is gratifying to see how the community has rallied around to support PPC in its restoration efforts and their appreciation and support of the company's service and efforts" Mr. Powell commented.
Providenciales:
PPC is happy to report that all feeders have been re-energized and that seventy percent (70%) of the load is back on. The company is concentrating on the Blue Hills and Chalk Sound areas and parts of Leeward including Governor's Road. Mr. Powell noted that "Restoration in Providenciales was ahead of expectation and that eighty percent (80%) of our pre-hurricane load will be back on by Monday September 15th." He further stated "there may be some localized areas without power, however the main lines are up with the secondary lines coming on gradually."
South Caicos:
South Caicos received greater damage than originally reported. The company plans to send a large contingent of crew and vehicles over the weekend and estimates that the power will be restored in five weeks. In the meantime, as part of their relief efforts, the company is donating 50 generators to residents; 25 of which will be delivered to the island today (Thursday September 11th) and the remainder later in the week.
In an effort to fully restore power to the islands, PPC urges heavy vehicle movers, contractors and residents moving boats, to be careful when driving so they do not pull down the lines as that can further delay restoration. (On Wednesday a resident moving a boat pulled down a pole on Leeward Highway as the Bimini top got caught in the power line.)
Mr. Powell also thanks the line crew for their outstanding work, and customers for their patience and ask that they remain patient as PPC tries to restore power to all, in an orderly and efficient manner.
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P.P.C. Ltd. and Atlantic Equipment & Power Limited (Atlantic), commonly known as Fortis Turks and Caicos, are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. Fortis Turks and Caicos serves approximately 9,000 customers in the Turks & Caicos Islands. The Company is the sole provider of electricity in Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos and South Caicos. The Company has a combined diesel-fired generating capacity of approximately 48 megawatts.
CONTACT:
Allan Robinson
VP, Customer & Corporate Service
P.P.C Limited (PPC)
Tel: 649-946-4313
Email: arobinson@ppcltd.tc
