JUNE 9TH 2024
In an unexpected and widespread power outage today, all VINLEC customers on mainland St. Vincent were plunged into darkness. The disruption, which lasted approximately two hours, stemmed from a critical failure in the 33kV switchgear at the Lowmans Bay Power Plant. VINLEC has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured customers that swift restoration efforts were undertaken.
Today’s outage, along with a similar incident on June 2, has been traced to an insulation failure within the switchgear. The issue, described as unprecedented and unrelated to external factors such as floods, underscores the vital role of switchgear in the island’s electrical infrastructure. VINLEC’s robust system redundancies, however, played a crucial role in isolating the malfunctioning segment and maintaining broader operational stability.
This morning’s blackout occurred during a switching procedure for ongoing internal repairs. With essential parts awaited from suppliers, VINLEC’s engineers are working diligently to complete the repairs and restore full functionality.
For VINLEC, this marks the first internal insulation failure of this nature. Switchgears, the backbone of electrical networks, are typically resilient, making this incident particularly notable. Despite the setback, VINLEC remains committed to restoring full service and ensuring reliable electricity supply.
As repair efforts continue, VINLEC reassures its customers of its unwavering dedication to resolving the issue swiftly. The company appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as it navigates these technical challenges and reinforces the reliability of St. Vincent’s power grid.