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Minister signals review of BPL tariffs

MINISTER of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis said she “believes” the government is looking at a full-tariff review after it was reported earlier this week that the power company bills Bahamians at double the global average.

BPL rates ‘among the highest’ consumers pay in the region

Bahamians are paying “among the highest” electricity prices in the Caribbean even though the base rate is set “below cost” with tariff charges said to be double the global average.

BPL ‘requires over $500m’ as Bannister blasts ‘insult’

An ex-deputy prime minister yesterday branded the Government’s handling of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) reforms “an insult to the Bahamian people” as it emerged the utility’s “financing needs” exceed $500m.

BPL workers: We feel betrayed

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) president Kyle Wilson said employees at Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) have given “an outright NO” to the impending private public partnership (PPP) agreements for the utility company.

FEARS OF BPL PRIVATISATION: Unions and FNM raise concerns at possible PPP deals

CONFLICT looms over the future of Bahamas Power and Light as Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis vows reforms and the head of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) pledges resistance.

BPL hit by three-fold ordering time jump

A Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) executive yesterday urged new developers to inform it of their energy needs as rapidly as possible given that it now takes three times’ as long to order key parts.

Gov’t denies BPL $5 late fee plans

The Government yesterday said it has “no intention of allowing Bahamas Power & Light” to impose an extra $5 charge on late-paying consumers and further burden struggling households.

UPDATE: Govt won't allow BPL to impose late fee

THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: The Davis administration said it will not allow BPL to impose a late fee on the Bahamian people. It was only one of five considerations in a discussion to lower the company’s outstanding arrears, according to Acting Press Secretary Keishla Adderley at the OPM press briefing this morning. BPL also released a statement (left) saying it did not have plans to impose a late fee on its customers at this time.

PM told that BPL fuel hedge ‘in the money’

The Prime Minister was told Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) fuel hedge, which his administration has sought to discredit, was “in the money” even though fuel woes “substantially ate into the benefits”.

BPL ‘stranglehold’: Business battles up to 100% bill rises

Soaring Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) bills were yesterday said to be imposing “a stranglehold” on commerce with multiple businesses struggling to survive up to 100 percent year-over-year increases in their energy costs.

BPL: We’ve regained 56% of fuel cost ‘under-recovery’

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday revealed it had regained 56 percent of its “under-recovered” fuel costs by end-August 2023 while reassuring that surging global oil prices will not derail this strategy.

Lower bills to arrive as soon as next month, BPL tells URCA

BAHAMAS Power & Light told the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority that fuel charges have peaked, and customers can expect lower rates beginning this month.

Resolution in sight in BPL strike threat

The dispute between the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) and Bahamas Power and Light will be settled within the next few days, Tribune Business has been told.

BPL Workers Union votes strongly in favour of strike

MORE than 1,000 Bahamas Electrical Workers Union members voted to strike in a ballot on Friday, resulting in a 99 percent “yes” vote unofficially, according to union president Kyle Wilson.

BPL workers to vote on whether to strike

MORE than 500 Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) workers will vote today on whether to strike in protest of unresolved issues with BPL’s management.

Armed guards called amid unrest at BPL

Union leaders yesterday denied that they or their members plan to disrupt Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) electricity services after armed guards were posted to several of the utility’s sites as a precaution against looming industrial unrest.

BPL staff on work to rule as issues unresolved

BAHAMAS Power and Light workers have gone on work-to-rule, raising questions about how the company would function in emergencies.

No concerns addressed as BPL union deadline ends

AS a 30-day ultimatum from the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union to Bahamas Power and Light officials ends today, union president Kyle Wilson says none of their concerns were addressed.

Soaring BPL costs delay inflation ease

Bahamians will have to wait for Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) soaring energy bills to ease before “the moderation of inflation starts to look more like” other countries, the Central Bank’s governor warned yesterday.

Davis: Wartsila engines at BPL ‘never worked properly’

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said Bahamas Power and Light’s Wartsila engines “never worked properly”.

INSIGHT: Rising cost of electricity hurts everyone

IN the vein of offering safety tips, let me offer these three pieces of advice to avoid an electric shock – never work around electricity when water is present, always shut off the power before working on live circuits and never, ever open your Bahamas Power and Light bill.

Union gives BPL 30 days to address concerns

THE union representing electrical workers has given Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) a 30-day ultimatum to address their concerns related to hazardous pay, pension and medical benefits, among other issues.

BPL: From ‘dramatic savings’ to sky-high bills in three years

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has gone from “dramatic savings” on its fuel costs that have been hailed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to sky-high electricity bills in just three years.

BPL’s 71% cost hike branded ‘outrageous’

Private sector executives yesterday branded the 71 percent hike in Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) total energy costs as “outrageous” and “brutal”, with one saying: “I don’t know how businesses are surviving.”

Jobs and prices fear over electric costs

GROCERS may raise food prices and gas retailers are promising to lay off staff as some businesses see a 70 per cent increase in electricity costs this summer.

GET READY FOR LOAD SHEDDING – Sears: Summer outages possible as he blames previous band-aid fixes

WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said there would “possibly” be more load shedding this summer.

BPL confirms load shedding exercises in New Providence

BAHAMAS Power and Light confirmed yesterday that it started load-shedding exercises because of challenges to several power stations in New Providence.

BPL sees 'negligible' disconnection jump

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday said it has seen a "negligible" increase in disconnections, with fewer than 2 percent of accounts cut-off in May, as consumers brace for the 163 percent peak fuel charge increase.

BPL set for a 'maturity audit'

Regulators are searching for consultants to conduct a "maturity audit" of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) in a bid to assess the energy monopoly's performance and develop better regulatory oversight.

As the year heats up, BPL shares tips on energy and cost savings

WITH spring fast approaching, Bahamas Power and Light officials are advising consumers to “get in the habit of practising energy consumption” to avoid increased electricity costs.

BPL to re-enter hedging via 15% fuel cost lock-in

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday signalled its intent to re-enter the fuel hedging market just one day after the Prime Minister sought to discredit how the strategy was employed by the former administration.

Outage due to lightning, BPL Says

PARTS of New Providence experienced power outages yesterday morning due to a system interruption at Bahamas Power and Light.

UPDATED: BPL’s hedge mishandling to cost Bahamians $150m

Bahamians have been burdened with a $150m bill due to the mishandling of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) fuel hedging strategy, it was revealed yesterday.

Businesses dreading the summer as BPL bills bite

SOME local businesses are dreading the approach of summer due to increased electricity costs.

‘Sooner the better’ over BPL base rate increase

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) chief executive yesterday warned the utility’s base tariff rate must ultimately increase to offset “diminished returns”, adding: “The sooner, the better.”

Sears: Forensic report of BPL soon

WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said Deloitte has been engaged in a forensic examination of Bahamas Power and Light and officials should receive that report “shortly”.

BPL fuel hike: Pintard asserts URCA ‘endorses’ law breach

The Opposition’s leader is challenging whether electricity regulators are “endorsing” Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) breaking the law by asserting it has made an “adequate case” to hike its fuel charge by up to 163 percent.

‘We didn’t have $40m for fuel hedge trades’

The Government and Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) last year lacked the $40m in free cash needed to finance cut-price oil purchases that would have saved electricity consumers millions, it was argued yesterday.

New Providence hit by BPL outage

VARIOUS areas in New Providence were struck by power disruptions yesterday, according to Bahamas Power and Light.

1,400 consumers disconnected from power grid

BAHAMAS Power and Light CEO Shevonn Cambridge has revealed that slightly more than 1,400 consumers have been disconnected from the power grid.

Bain and Grants Town community react to BPL bills increase

RESIDENTS of the Bain and Grants Town community are in uproar after Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis announced that Bahamas Power and Light will be increasing its monthly fuel charge in response to rising fuel costs.

BPL BILLS HIKE: PM announces move due to rising fuel costs

PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis announced yesterday that Bahamas Power and Light will be increasing its monthly fuel charge in response to rising fuel costs, with the rate increase set to be reflected in consumers’ electricity bills beginning November.

BPL bills to increase

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has announced that there will be an increase in the monthly fuel charge from Bahamas Power and Light.

New Providence outages due to effects from Ian

PARTS of New Providence experienced power outages yesterday due to weather conditions brought on by Hurricane Ian.

Severe lightning conditions caused BPL power cuts

AMID complaints from residents in western New Providence about recent power outages, a Bahamas Power and Light representative said the power cuts were a result of severe lightning conditions.

BPL outage must be 'end, not beginning'

A small business advocate has voiced concern that last Wednesday's power outage, which hit multiple areas of New Providence, is "the end and not the beginning" of any summer woes for Bahamas Power & Light (BPL).

Ex-BPL union chief wants 74-month payout restored

A former Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) managerial union chief will today seek permission to appeal a verdict that slashed his “handsome windfall” of $621,000 in termination compensation by more than 75 percent.

‘Don’t derail tourism revival with higher electricity costs’

The Bahamian tourism industry yesterday warned it “can ill-afford to be derailed” from its post-COVID recovery by a hike in electricity prices which remain “pivotal” to the sector’s global competitiveness.

BPL EXAMINING PRICE INCREASE: CEO insists power will be kept on but bills may have to rise

AS many consumers yesterday grappled with hours-long power disruptions in the sweltering heat, Bahamas Power and Light CEO Shevonn Cambridge said an internal review is underway to determine whether there will be an increase to billing by way of a fuel charge adjustment.

BPL: $15m maintenance put back to ‘manage cash’

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has delayed $15m in maintenance overhauls beyond summer 2022 “to manage cash”, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday, while conceding that such practices have undermined generation “reliability”.

Union: Heastie departure from role at BPL was ‘late coming’

THE president of the union representing staff at Bahamas Power and Light said he thinks the recent resignations of BPL CEO Whitney Heastie and Director of Human Resources Evis Missick had been “a bit late coming,” adding workers were “disrespected” for too long.

Law compliance fear over BPL fuel costs

Concerns were voiced yesterday that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) could potentially be violating the law by failing to fully pass its fuel costs on to residential and business consumers.

Mitchell says ‘heads must roll’ over BPL announcement

A SENIOR Cabinet minister has said “heads must roll” over Bahamas Power and Light’s “premature” announcement of a proposed increase in electricity costs due to rising fuel prices.

Fears of $205m hit in BPL fuel hedge woe

Fears were raised yesterday that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) customers could suffer a $200m-plus hit if the fuel hedging strategy that the Davis administration met in place was not renewed.

‘Dumping BPL hedging deal may cost $200m’

FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard said the Davis administration must explain the status of Bahamas Power and Light’s hedging programme, saying the government’s tinkering with that contract could leave Bahamians facing higher electricity costs.

Union: Still issues at BPL for staff

THE union representing Bahamas Power and Light line staff says there are still a number of burning issues that need to be addressed, including challenges with workers’ pensions and medical coverage.

BPL’s ‘wild price swings’ preventer set for extension

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) chairman yesterday said the utility’s fuel hedging strategy will almost certainly be continued beyond end-June 2022 to protect customers from “wild price swings”.

Another year and still the lights are going out

A former Chamber of Commerce director has hit out at the recent spate of blackouts in the nation’s capital charging little has changed at Bahamas Power & Light (BPL).

Christmas bonus approved for BPL staff despite discrepancy

KYLE Wilson, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union head, said government has agreed to give staff of Bahamas Power and Light a Christmas bonus despite a discrepancy in the registration of the parties’ industrial agreement.

Union’s fury as BPL deal stalls

AN industrial agreement for Bahamas Power and Light Company workers thought to be a done deal before the September general election is now being questioned due to a challenge by the Registrar of Trade Unions.

New BPL board of directors to be announced today

PUBLIC Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears will today announce Bahamas Power and Light Company’s new board of directors, amid concerns it could be stifled due to an extension for the power provider’s previous board to remain in place.

BPL board appointed by FNM govt 'obtained one-year extension'

WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears confirmed that Bahamas Power and Light’s board of directors appointed by the previous government obtained a one-year extension to remain in place despite the completion of new board appointments.

Pre-election board at BPL still in place

A Bahamas Power and Light source is alleging the company’s new board of directors cannot perform its duties due to an extension granted to the previous board and executives by the outgoing Minnis administration.

BPL scrubbed 5,000 vendors due to fraud

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) scrubbed some 5,000 suppliers from its vendor database in response to the $1.9m “fraudulent cheques” scam that relied heavily on non-existent companies.

BPL’s Shell deal process ‘oblique’

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) efforts to outsource electricity generation on New Providence were “oblique” and not fully transparent over a deal ultimately won by Shell North America.

BPL consultant accused of ‘act of fraud’ in audit

AN internal audit by Bahamas Power & Light concluded that a consultant who provided makeup services to former BPL chair Darnell Osborne “demonstrated a significant lack of integrity while engaged by BPL” and evidently “committed an act of fraud” against the company, according to the report from the external probe former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis ordered into BPL’s affairs.

Parts of New Providence hit by power outage

A WIDESPREAD power outage struck New Providence Friday affecting several residential areas.

Utility-scale solar found ‘impractical’ for Nassau

Environmentalists were bluntly told by Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) that utility-scale solar solutions for New Providence are “impractical” because up to 1,800 acres would be required to generate sufficient energy.

Environmental nod sought for $100m BPL power plant

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) is moving to obtain full environmental clearance for an up to $100m investment in new generation plant at Clifton Pier that is designed to improve energy efficiency and reliability.

New Providence hit by blackouts

AFTER a day of long power outages in parts of New Providence, public relations officials at Bahamas Power and Light have refused to comment or offer an explanation on the matter.

BPL signs deal with union

BAHAMAS Power and Light officials signed an industrial agreement with the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union yesterday.

BPL’s union members pass new agreement

AFTER months of demonstrations and speaking out against alleged injustices, the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union has finally ratified an industrial agreement proposal from Bahamas Power and Light and is ready to sign off on it.

Progress in talks for resolving BPL's issues

ONE week after line staff at Bahamas Power and Light walked off the job, the union representing the workers said it is happy with the progress made on long standing issues.

Weather blamed for outage

BAHAMAS Power and Light yesterday blamed severe weather for a power disruption that affected more than two dozen residential areas.

Commerce director concerned about state of BPL

A Chamber of Commerce director has voiced her concerned about Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) being left in limbo during the election season, with no Rate Reduction Bond (RRB) and no execution of the Shell North America power plant deal.

Workforce industrial action branded ‘illegal’ by BPL

BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) has branded yesterday’s industrial action by its workforce as “illegal” while assuring the public a contingency plan is in place to ensure power disruption is minimal.

BPL issues in western New Providence

BAHAMAS Power and Light experienced major issues in western New Providence overnight.

Union hoping for PM and Deputy PM to 'step in'

AFTER allegedly staging a sick-out this week, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union is now looking to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to assist with propelling its needs forward.

BPL workers call in sick

A SIGNIFICANT number of Bahamas Power and Light employees called in sick yesterday, prompting executives to assure customers that supply would continue uninterrupted.

BPL union says some progress on ‘issues’

THE union representing Bahamas Power and Light workers said it has been assured by BPL’s executive management that several of their longstanding issues will soon be resolved after meetings were held between the two parties on Friday.

Fuel charge to stay same after review, says BPL

BAHAMAS Power and Light said yesterday that after a mandated 12-month review, the fuel charge for BPL customers will remain at about 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour through June 2022.

Another day, another glitch causing trouble at BPL

BAHAMAS Power and Light said a “technical issue” at its Blue Hills Power Station led to power cuts in eastern New Providence on Wednesday night.

BPL fuel lock-in to ease extra charge

Bahamas Power & Light's (BPL) chairman yesterday said it has extended fuel cost certainty for all consumers until end-2023 to help ease the extra charge that will be added to their bills in the New Year.

BPL burden increase via new $246m loan

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) is facing an increased financial burden after being made responsible for servicing a $246m loan that paid out government guaranteed debt.

BPL fears Gov't borrowing strike for $535m raise

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) is "concerned" it will be forced to pay a high price to place its $535m bond issue due to the Government's recent borrowing, a Cabinet minister has revealed.

BPL pulls plug on 8,700 late payers

SINCE announcing it would resume customer disconnections back in July, Bahamas Power and Light has turned off 8,741 residential accounts in New Providence and the Family Islands.

BPL switches billing dates to help customers

BPL has modified its billing dates to allow customers to receive bills by the 20th of each month.

Just 1,300 enrol for BPL late bill plan

Some 90 percent of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) customers facing disconnection last night remained in danger of having their electricity cut-off as the utility seeks to recover a $46m debt.

Thousands ignoring BPL disconnection warning

Less than 1 percent of the 16,000 Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) customers threatened with disconnection have yet to pay-off their arrears or agree a payment plan, it was revealed yesterday.

'Outages not related to load shedding'

BAHAMAS POWER and Light executives said the two system disturbances that left customers throughout New Providence without power on Friday were not related to load shedding. On Friday, the company reported that a fault on the transmission network cau

Power outage hits New Providence

Many parts of New Providence were affected by power outages on Friday after a fault resulted in the Big Pond Primary Substation and Blue Hills Power Station going offline.

UPDATED: Power outage now affecting customers in west and southwest

Bahamas Power and Light has isolated the problem which caused the power outages currently affecting New Providence and restoration efforts are underway.

Oil deal cuts BPL bills 30%: Families windfall as long-term fuel buy saves $150m

Bahamas Power & Light's (BPL) newly-executed fuel hedging strategy will save hard-pressed consumers and the wider economy some $150m over 18 months, senior officials disclosed yesterday.

BPL bailout has cost us millions: Bannister warns mountain of bills must be tackled

The Government was forced to pump "millions" into Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) during COVID-19's peak due to customers' inability to pay, it was revealed yesterday.

Parts of BPL network ‘not working optimally’

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) chairman yesterday disclosed that parts of its grid “are not working optimally” due to the utility’s delayed $535m bond refinancing.

BPL announces plan to resume disconnections

BAHAMAS Power and Light announced yesterday that it will immediately resume disconnection of electricity services of residential customers who have $500 or more in arrears for more than 90 days as of April 1. “Any customers with a balance more than

‘Unreliable’ BPL hits productivity in financial services

Financial services providers have complained that Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) unreliability impacted staff productivity during the COVID-19 crisis.

BPL pledges ‘price stability’ with new hedging strategy

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) chairman last night said it has taken “the first step” to providing long-suffering consumers with “price stability and certainty” after the Government approved its fuel hedging strategy.

BPL union assured jobs safe

THE union representing Bahamas Power and Light workers said it has been assured there will be no layoffs at the power provider amid economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operator error caused blackout

RESIDENTS throughout New Providence were left angry yesterday after an island-wide blackout. With many people working from home and students completing classes and exams online, the blackout left thousands of people frustrated.

Storm knocks power out for hundreds

A LIGHTNING storm forced Bahamas Power and Light to leave customers across New Providence without power for hours on Saturday.

BPL finances ‘more perilous every day’

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has been unable to exploit the all-time low in global oil prices, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday, adding: “Its finances get more and more perilous every day.”

BPL creates COVID-19 relief programme

Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd. (BPL) has created a COVID-19 Relief Programme for customers who are diagnosed with COVID-19, customers who are in COVID-19-related quarantine, and customers who have been laid off because of COVID-19.

BPL to resume disconnections

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) last night confirmed it will resume disconnecting delinquent consumers as of today following a week-long pause amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

BPL cash crisis as payments collapse

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has suffered a "frightening" multi-million dollar March revenue drop that threatens the energy provider's very existence if it continues, a Cabinet minister has revealed.

Disconnections to be suspended until March 31

BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) will immediately suspend disconnections until March 31.

BPL Board to consider disconnection suspend

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) status as “a broke company” means it will be challenged to suspend customer disconnections when its board meets today to discuss the issue.

BPL’s new charge hit by delay

Bahamas Power & Light's (BPL) mammoth refinancing has been further delayed by the need to alter its enabling legislation to better protect investors, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday.

BPL: March date for bill increase may change

BAHAMAS Power and Light’s March implementation for the National Utility Investment Bond fee is “subject to change”, according to the power provider’s head of communications Quincy Parker yesterday. BPL had planned to introduce the fee on customers’

BPL race to fix new plant issue: Minister orders firm it must resolve cooling problem with engines

Bahamas Power & Light is racing against time to have its new $95m electricity plant ready to meet peak summer demand after plans for its cooling system literally hit the rocks.

BPL targets fall 2021 for rental generation end

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) last night confirmed it aims to end its reliance on rental generation by fall 2021 in a move that would save long-suffering consumers $2m-plus per month.

BPL’s 15% fee ‘cost neutral’ by August

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) is hoping to make the extra charge associated with its $650m refinancing “cost neutral” for consumers by August 2020, its chairman revealed yesterday.

Progress for Abaco power restoration

FOUR months after Hurricane Dorian destroyed Abaco, Bahamas Power and Light said it has made major inroads in restoring electricity to the island.

BPL reminds customers of upcoming bills change

BAHAMAS Power and Light has reminded customers about an upcoming change to bills in 2020, saying that in the midst of this the company is committed to correcting their many challenges.

BPL fuel charge probe ‘first step’ over regulation

A Chamber of Commerce director yesterday voiced optimism that regulators are poised to take “the first step” in ensuring Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) fulfills its obligations towards consumers.

Harbour Island residents and tourists criticise BPL

RESIDENTS and tourists in Harbour Island over the Christmas break on Friday criticised Bahamas Power and Light for the lack of communication regarding the recent power outages they say have ruined their holiday.

Harbour Island hit by major power cut

HARBOUR Island residents suffered a power cut this week that lasted more than 48 hours, disrupting business and the Christmas celebrations of hundreds of locals and visitors.

BPL: $27 family bill rise 'critical to turning page'

Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) today reveals the “average” family will see a $27 per month increase in their bills from March 2020 onwards to help service its $650m debt refinancing.The utility, in an advertisement in today’s newspaper, says a “new l

And the lights go off again

TECHNICAL difficulties recently forced Bahamas Power and Light to leave customers in the western area of New Providence without power for hours.

Finally - BPL’s new engines on stream

BAHAMAS Power and Light’s $95m, 130 megawatt power plant has been brought online in time for its December 15 deadline, the company said yesterday.

Island-wide blackout plunges thousands into darkness - again

TRANSMISSION network failure and related issues caused an island-wide power cut that plunged thousands of New Providence residents into darkness on Friday for hours. The power cut caused great embarrassment when it interrupted the final games of Bat

UPDATED: Power being restored after major outage

AT 8:35pm Friday night as Bahamas Power and Light technicians were about 70 percent along in the process of bringing the island back from an island-wide blackout, there was a major setback. The system encountered a secondary problem, which by 8:52 pm, had been isolated.

BPL customers criticise light bills increase

Bahamas Power and Light customers yesterday criticised the government’s decision to increase light bills through its rate reduction bond, which will allow for additional charges to be added to customer’s monthly bills starting 2020.

INSIGHT: Rubbing salt in the wounds - BPL is playing a risky game

There has to be somebody else in the country pinching themselves to see if they’re living in the real world after BPL announced its plans to introduce a rate reduction bond and deemed the Bahamian people as its financiers.

$30m smart meters will help monitor BPL's bills

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) will invest $30m in rolling-out Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) that it sees as critical to slashing delinquent private sector debts, its chairman revealed yesterday.

BPL’s $66m bad debt major worry for bond proposal

The $66m in delinquent debt owed to Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) by homeowners and businesses exposes the potential weakness in plans for the utility’s multi-million dollar refinancing.

BPL’s $650m bond cost ‘hinges’ on credit rating

The cost of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) $650m refinancing “hinges” on the credit rating it is seeking from international agencies, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

BPL releases load shedding schedule

A DAY after consumers criticised Bahamas Power and Light over its announcement of an additional charge to monthly bills, the power provider released an extensive load shedding schedule for dozens of homes and businesses in New Providence.

Customers anger over BPL new levy

ELECTRICITY consumers criticised Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) after the company announced an additional charge will be added to their monthly bills.

Consumers told to brace for ‘adjustment’ to BPL bills

Electricity consumers were yesterday told to brace for an "adjustment" to their bills via an extra charge as Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) confirmed plans for its mammoth $650m-plus refinancing.

Blackout misery back for families

BAHAMAS Power and Light expects an end “soon” to vexing load shedding that angered many over the weekend.

BPL could miss target for engines back on line

BAHAMAS Power & Light has encountered difficulties bringing its engines online and has been forced to reassess the time it will take to repair the units, the company said yesterday.

UPDATED: Load shedding back after daytime reprieve

NEW Providence residents and businesses got a temporary reprieve from power woes Tuesday as Bahamas Power & Light avoided load shedding throughout the day.

How have the power cuts affected your life?

Load shedding from Bahamas Power and Light continues to cause misery.

Frequent outages are hitting Airbnb business

THE frequent power cuts carried out by Bahamas Power and Light have negatively impacted the home rental business, according to Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. Speaking to reporters outside of Cabinet yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar said lo

Blackout apology - but no easy fix

THREE Bahamas Power and Light generators providing nearly 70 megawatts of power to thousands of households in New Providence are offline, with one asset needing at least a month for repairs, The Tribune understands.

Blackout misery for families

BAHAMAS Power and Light’s load shedding exercises continued throughout New Providence over the holiday weekend, with residents in various communities suffering three to five hour-long power cuts.

BPL eyes a 'before Christmas' deadline for new plant

GENERATION shortfalls continue at Bahamas Power and Light Company as the electricity provider eyes a “before Christmas” deadline for the commissioning of its new plant. Load shedding was initiated Friday and persisted over the weekend because of a h

BPL blackout - the misery drags on

Load shedding is expected to continue in parts of New Providence this week as demand for electricity peaks, a Bahamas Power and Light spokesperson confirmed yesterday.

UPDATED: BPL announces load shedding schedule for Monday

AS load shedding continues in New Providence, Bahamas Power & Light released a schedule of anticipated power cuts for Monday evening.

Load shedding to continue for rest of week

LOAD SHEDDING will continue this week in New Providence as beleaguered Bahamas Power and Light attempts to get more assets online, according to Executive Director Patrick Rollins. Still, Mr Rollins maintained the company’s position that the country

Don't blame BPL – illegal dumping caused island-wide blackout

ILLEGAL dumping within close proximity to a Bahamas Power and Light transmission pole was yesterday blamed for an island-wide blackout, which impacted New Providence on Tuesday.

Rental delays force continued load shedding

BAHAMAS Power and Light’s generation challenges are continuing and have been exacerbated by the delay of some rental generators. Load shedding was continued in portions of eastern New Providence yesterday, with many residents lashing out on the powe

I had no power for eight hours, claims one resident

AS many New Providence residents criticised Bahamas Power and Light for load shedding, one man claimed power failures left him without electricity for more than eight hours on Tuesday.

Mega refinance for BPL ‘stable footing’

“Final discussions” are being held to select the advisers for Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) mega refinancing that will place the crisis-stricken utility on a “much more stable” footing.

BPL power outages ‘totally unacceptable’

A Chamber of Commerce executive yesterday slammed the power outages affecting New Providence as “totally unacceptable”, blaming them on “bad planning” by Bahamas Power & Light (BPL).

Thousands enraged as load shedding continues

BAHAMAS Power and Light expects New Providence load shedding to continue until rental generators are installed at its Blue Hills Station and offline equipment is brought back on stream.

Installation of BPL generators 'nearing completion'

BAHAMAS Power & Light has announced the installation of several additional rental generators at its Blue Hill power station, amidst rolling outages associated with load shedding.

BPL criticised for power failure

MANY customers turned to Facebook to criticise the Bahamas Power and Light company on Friday for the power failure that left the western area of New Providence in darkness for more than ten hours Thursday night.

Anger after load shedding hits New Providence

LOAD shedding struck several parts of New Providence on Friday morning, drawing the anger of many consumers.

Mega BPL refinance eyes November close

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) nine-figure refinance is eyeing an end-November 2019 closing, Tribune Business can reveal, with the targeted sum “likely” to be less than the original $650m.

Load shedding exercise hits eastern New Providence

BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) carried out another load shedding exercise on Friday that left customers in the eastern area of New Providence without power for almost two hours.

Power - it’s misery for next week

CUSTOMERS in New Providence can expect load shedding to continue through next week, Bahamas Power and Light announced yesterday.

Traffic delays expected due to BPL tree trimming

BAHAMAS Power and Light Company has warned that traffic delays are expected when it starts its tree trimming exercise Tuesday to prepare the route teams will take to transport engines for its new $95m power plant at Clifton Pier.

‘This is last summer of load shedding’

IN the wake of residents and businesses across New Providence suffering through disruptions in power supply this week, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) executive Patrick Rollins said yesterday this summer will be the last for load shedding.

Power cuts now - what about summer?

LOAD shedding yesterday in New Providence sparked worry among business owners regarding Bahamas Power and Light’s ability to keep the electricity on without interruption as the hot summer months approach.

BPL launches own 'fake' device probe

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday revealed it is investigating whether itself and its customers have fallen victim to the same "fake" energy-saving devices impacting Grand Bahama.

BPL’s bills blitz in Family Islands

HUNDREDS of Bahamas Power and Light customers in the Family Islands could be left in darkness for failure to adequately pay their bills, beginning on March 15.

BPL faces $6m bill to clean oil spills

TOTAL remediation of legacy oil spills at the Clifton Pier Power Plant site could cost Bahamas Power and Light up to $6m.

‘Immense problems’ if BPL not improved by year-end

The Bahamas will suffer “immense problems” if Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) closes 2019 in the same condition it is now, a prominent businessman has warned.

Reduction on electricity bills 'not due to BPL'

IF you’ve noticed a reduction on your Bahamas Power and Light billing, it’s probably because you used less electricity, BPL Chairman Donovan Moxey told The Tribune Monday, not because the electricity provider did anything differently.

High bills spark ‘cut off’ review

BAHAMAS Power and Light’s chairman Donovan Moxey yesterday revealed the corporation was considering a review of BPL’s disconnection policy in view of the temporary hike in electricity costs.

Promised BPL probe has not yet begun

DESPITE announcing nearly three months ago that he ordered a probe into matters of concern at Bahamas Power and Light, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis confirmed yesterday no investigation has begun, but insisted he told the truth in pledging issues a

INSIGHT: We need a solution to our energy crisis now – not later

AMID what has been deemed an energy crisis by some, public outcry over the increasing electricity costs has become commonplace in our society. Similarly, the lackadaisical response from our elected leaders has been disheartening. Indubitably, Bahamas Power and Light has become our nation’s greatest failure.

Electric bill ‘like a second mortgage’

THE increased value added tax exemption ceiling on power bills will have “limited” impact on consumer expenses, Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants President Gowon Bowe has insisted, while likening spiked electricity costs to having a second mortgage.

BPL slams 70% energy hike as 'false ramblings'

BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) and its chairman yesterday slammed claims that electricity rates will increase by 70 per cent as “irresponsible” and “false ramblings”.Dr Donavon Moxey, pictured, slammed such suggestions as “actually false”, and added:

BPL, Shell North America sign MOU for LNG project

THE country was said to be one step closer to lower energy bills and more stable electricity generation with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Bahamas Power and Light and Shell North America for an integrated LNG gas-to-power project.

Poor Bahamians region's hardest hit by fuel hikes

The poorest 40 percent of Bahamian society are among the hardest hit in the Latin American and Caribbean region by any increase in fuel prices, an IDB study has found.The newly-released Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report, which analyses the

Union boss ‘way off’ on blaze bill

BAHAMAS Power and Light CEO Whitney Heastie last night dismissed claims recent fires at the company’s Clifton Pier Plant could cost the energy provider as much as $150m.

No team picked yet for promised BPL probe

MORE than two weeks after the former board of Bahamas Power and Light disintegrated, details remain scarce about the investigation Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pledged to launch into the board’s meltdown.“He hasn’t appointed a team,” press secreta

Union chief claims BPL hired 50 foreign workers

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard claimed yesterday that around 50 non-Bahamians were set to be brought on at Bahamas Power and Light in the aftermath of 314 workers receiving voluntary separation packages.Expressing his anger a

Moxey: We must build public confidence in BPL

BAHAMAS Power and Light Chairman Donovan Moxey yesterday said the newly appointed board’s biggest challenge was working to instill public confidence in the company and stabilise operations.Mr Moxey also tackled controversy surrounding published revel

Final warning: Union boss threatens BPL chief

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union president Paul Maynard said yesterday while he never intended for a letter he wrote to Bahamas Power & Light’s CEO Whitney Heastie to become public, he stands by “every word” written.

‘BPL inquiry set-up should include Davis’

DARRON Cash, former chairman of the Free National Movement, said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis should solicit recommendations from Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis concerning who should investigate the disintegration of Bahamas Power & Light’s board last week.

PM orders probe into BPL board meltdown

THE government will launch a formal investigation into the saga at Bahamas Power and Light and the circumstances that led to the shock dissolution of its board of directors and a bitter war of words with top officials.

Split sparked by row over power generation

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) Board split was sparked by disputes over generation technology for the new, low-cost power plant and executive appointments, Tribune Business can reveal.

New BPL chair - we'll review Shell deal

A REVIEW of the tender process for Bahamas Power and Light’s generation supply contract is high on the agenda for its new board, according to incoming Chairman Donovan Moxey.Mr Moxey told The Tribune board members will work to establish a baseline at

BPL appoints new board of directors

A NEW board of directors has been appointed at Bahamas Power and Light following its shock dissolution earlier this week.

BPL WIPEOUT: Resignations lead Bannister to ask all board to quit

BAHAMAS Power and Light plummeted to a state of uncertainty and chaos yesterday after the entire board of directors resigned following several months of “dysfunction” and purported infighting, stagnating the action needed to turn things around for the electricity provider.

BPL staggering $70m exit plan

WITH 314 Bahamas Power and Light employees opting to receive voluntary separation packages which will result in more than $70m paid out over a period of time, Works Minister Desmond Bannister said employee departures have been staggered to ensure that the efficiency of Bahamas Power and Light is not negatively affected.

$1.2m to be spent on upgrade for BPL Clifton Pier substation

WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister yesterday announced a $1.2m allocation for infrastructural upgrades at Bahamas Power and Light’s Clifton Pier substation.Addressing the June 25 island-wide outage, where a lightning strike disabled the station’s entir

BPL: We’ll do our best this summer

BAHAMAS Power & Light has more than enough generation capacity to ensure Bahamians have a summer free of load shedding, but officials cannot guarantee the utility provider’s aging equipment will hold up all the way through the demanding season.

‘New design needed to stop BPL power cuts’

THE design of a protection system needs to be foremost in any plans being pursued by Bahamas Power & Light executives, according to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard.

Lightning strike causes island-wide outage

A LIGHTNING strike caused an island-wide power outage yesterday evening, Bahamas Power & Light Chairwoman Darnell Osbourne said.

$211m borrowing approved to aid electric supplier

FINANCIAL crisis was cited as the reason government yesterday passed a resolution to borrow $211m to aid the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.This undesirable situation, the resolution said, was caused by the high cost of fuel in 2018, funding of capi

Fuel bills set to soar

Bahamians must brace for “a very expensive summer”, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive warned yesterday, as global oil prices surged to $80 per barrel.

Legislation will help BPL secure funds

THE Electricity Amendment Bill 2018 was passed yesterday in the House of Assembly through which Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) will be better able to secure vital funding.In addressing the new bill Works Minister Desmond Bannister told MPs: “In order

Expat expert to study BPL system

A foreign expert who will be contracted by Bahamas Power and Light to gauge its electrical service system for potential instabilities will arrive in the country next month, according to BPL chairwoman Darnell Osborne.

BPL blames weather for power outage

AREAS of New Providence were hit by power outages last night - with Bahamas Power and Light blaming “inclement weather”.

INSIGHT: Who turned off the lights in Maynard’s head?

BAHAMAS Electrical Utility Managerial Union (BEUMU) president Paul Maynard unleashed a fiery rebuke of the Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) management last week when execs at the utility company said they would be downsizing, effectively making 233 people redundant over an 18-month period.

Blackout - explosion hits island's power

MINUTES after Bahamas Power and Light’s CEO Whitney Heastie outlined steps BPL plans to scale down service disruptions in anticipation of the hot summer, New Providence was struck by an island wide power outage.

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