ANGLEC 2022 HURRICANE ADVISORY

With the impact of Tropical Storm Fiona hours away, weather conditions will directly impact our community and ANGLEC infrastructure.  During this time, we need public consideration and support to ensure the safety and reliability of our service.

Please be advised of the following details with regard to storm preparedness and service restoration. This article includes the following information; scroll to locate your concerns:

1) Storm Hours of Operation & Communication
2) Disruptions & Outages
3) For your Protection
4) General Public Advisories

1) ANGLEC HURRICANE HOURS OF OPERATION:

Communication of ANGLEC Operations under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane threat;

• Official updates on office hours and other time-sensitive notices will be published via ANGLEC’s Facebook page in the days prior to and following a storm.
• Emergency Outage updates and reconnection times in the event of disruption will also be posted on Facebook and communicated via radio where possible.
• Visit Facebook.com/AnguillaElectricity to LIKE and FOLLOW the page for updates.

2) STORM/HURRICANE DISRUPTIONS & OUTAGES:

• During Storm conditions, disruptions, and outages are expected and can range in frequency due to the storm’s effects. These outages are beyond ANGLEC’s control, and information on these occurrences will be communicated as best as possible by Facebook and Radio announcement.
• Our Generation and Transmission & Distribution (T&D) staff work around the clock to ensure service reliability before, and in most cases, during and immediately after storms.
• However, PLEASE MAKE ALL STORM PREPARATIONS IMMEDIATELY upon the announcement of storm watches and warnings. ANGLEC cannot guarantee the sustainability of your connection under storm conditions leading up to any impending storm. Waiting until the day of a storm to board up, clean, and protect your property is a very dangerous practice and could lead to unnecessary damage/exposure during a storm.

• We commit to maintaining our power supply as long as it is safe to do so. However, our Trouble Call and Generation station crews can only make repairs or re-connections under safe/mild weather conditions. If it is clear beforehand that conditions leading up to a storm are unsafe for staff to work, ANGLEC will try to issue a notice of any scheduled outage that may occur.

The following conditions may result in a disruption of power or the need for an emergency outage:

• Strong weather conditions (wind, lightning, heavy rain, etc.) can cause faults at any point leading up to or during a storm. A fault is any unexpected cause of damage or interruption in service on our system. Faults can range in severity, causing a very brief disruption in service or, if necessary, an immediate/unplanned “emergency outage” (requiring more extended disconnection for work to be conducted safely).
• For the safety of our crews, customers, and equipment, power may not be sustained (or re-connected) once storm winds exceed 50mph and/or as Feeders (sections of our distribution lines) trip in a storm, cutting the power supply to an area.
• After a storm, power will be restored incrementally (starting from ANGLEC’s Generation Station in Corito) as sections of the infrastructure are repaired. Depending on the extent of damage, a restoration exercise may be required, lasting anywhere from a few days to months. All relevant restoration information will be published in the media.

Please be reminded:
If the strength of an impending storm threatens conditions too severe, please anticipate that changes to the above-mentioned power supply practices may be required and will be published accordingly prior to the imminent storm.

3) FOR YOUR PROTECTION

BE ADVISED AND NOTIFY OTHERS THAT –

• During any storm conditions, please, ensure that your equipment/appliances are unplugged from all electrical, cable, and data outlets. It is your responsibility to ensure the protection and safety of your personal effects.
• After the storm, it is dangerous and unlawful for anyone, including ANGLEC crews, to be outdoors prior to the official all-clear radio announcement. Our crews will mobilize as soon as possible AFTER the all-clear to restore power fully.
• Also, take note of any internal damages that may occur during the storm. You are responsible for ensuring that all internal damage to your home and electrical systems are repaired and properly inspected before re-connection onto ANGLEC’s system.

4) WE ADVISE THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO:

• NEVER interfere with electrical lines or poles. Doing so poses a severe risk of electrical shock, injury, or fatality and can significantly impede ANGLEC’s re-connection and recovery efforts.
• In the case of an emergency, please call 911 for assistance and report downed poles and lines to ANGLEC via our Trouble Call line 497-2891.
• Listen to the radio for the official announcement, advisories, and notices, and check our Facebook page ( AnguillaElectricity) for additional updates.
• Please be reminded that you should NEVER plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. Generators must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC). Improper installation may cause injury, fatality, and damage to equipment for yourself or others in the community.
  
• Dangers of BACKFEEDING electricity onto ANGLEC’s grid are a significant concern following a storm. Please ensure that ANY power source outside of ANGLEC’s provision is properly conducted AND ANNOUNCED to our teams prior to any work being done at your property. This is to ensure the safety of our teams.

Please stay safe and keep our team members and the greater community in your prayers.

For questions or concerns, please call us at 497-5200. Other Hurricane resources can be found at www.anglec.com/theplug.