Montserrat: MUL shares electricity updates for customers experiencing power outages

Montserrat: Montserrat Utilities Limited’s (MUL’s) Electricity Generation Department is currently operating at a reduced generating capacity. At the end of June, the Number 6 generator, shortly after being overhauled, experienced a major turbocharger failure where 3 out of 4 were damaged. We had an external technician come to the island a week ago to assist MUL in returning the set to service. Although it is again functional, it still requires another part which we have ordered and expects in the next few weeks.

By the end of July, the ministry had four of five generators working and part of the solar farm providing power. However, in mid-August, the Number 3 generator also developed a serious problem and has been offline since then. Working with the partners, the solution was recently identified, and the parts have now been ordered and are being rush delivered to Montserrat. It is anticipated that the Number 3 engine will again be generating electricity towards the end of next week.

As a result of the extended running times, two of the older high-speed generators (Number 5 and 4), which were both overdue for overhauls, suffered critical failures on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The best estimate is that it will take at least 6 – 7 months to return Number 5 to service. Meanwhile, the technical staff have been working around the clock for the last two days making emergency repairs to the Number 4 set in an effort to bring it back into service to provide greater stability in the short term.

Overnight, in order to perform minor works on the Number 6 generator, the company is forced to switch off the electricity supply in several areas because of the fact that there is no reserve capacity.

Further updates will be given as changes occur.