The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribuneemdia.net

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) suffered an “emergency situation” on Wednesday night after it almost ran out of fuel due to bad weather disrupting shipping.

BEC’s executive chairman, Leslie Miller, confirmed yesterday that while BEC did not have any fuel supply issues, it was forced into an “emergency situation” on Wednesday night when the fuel tanker from Freeport was delayed due to bad weather.

“We do not have a problem with fuel. Every tank is full. We had some trouble Wednesday night,” Mr Miller told Tribune Business.

“Due to the inclement weather our fuel supply from Freeport, where it is stored, got here late. The supply was supposed to come the day before.”

He added: “I must thank Shell for assisting us with fuel.  We get fuel from them anyway, but it was an emergency situation Wednesday night. The boat was about a half an hour out and they stepped in to help us with fuel and were replacing that.

“They stepped in and helped us out in an emergency situation.  We are making sure now that our fuel stock is more than adequate as we move into the hurricane season.”

The revelation about a fuel shortage, which could have resulted in a complete power shut down on New Providence, is likely to exacerbate the already-mounting public concern surrounding the monopoly energy provider.

BEC has in the past been forced to borrow money from the banks to pay its fuel supplier, after it ran up a multi-million dollar receivable and came dangerously near to exceeding its credit limits.

The recent furore surrounding the unpaid $240,000 electricity bill owed by properties and businesses controlled by Mr Miller’s family will pale into insignificance if BEC runs out of fuel and has to shut down.

This again emphasises the need for the Government to complete the BEC privatisation process, which has been awaiting a decision on the final five bidders for several months. Tribune Business understands that the Cabinet has yet to take a decision on the recommendations made by its advisers, KPMG, DNV Kema and the Hogan Lovells law firm.

Four of BEC’s engines were also struck by lightning on Wednesday, leading to widespread power outages in New Providence. Several areas in eastern, southern and northern New Providence experienced outages.

“We had some problems at Clifton when four engines went down,” Mr Miller said.

“I must compliment the team out there at Clifton for the great job that they did. It’s not about whether BEC workers have the ability, it’s just about the will. They did a great job and I must commend them. Everything is back up and running now. We actually have about 60 mega watts to spare.”