PHILIPSBURG--Utility company GEBE reported on Thursday that the electricity supply from the power plant had stabilised. Repairs to the distribution grid continued throughout Thursday as GEBE technicians worked on repairing the high tension and low tension lines in the various districts.
As reported earlier, the priority is to first repair the primary distribution grid, consisting of the high tension lines and transformer houses. Although more than 90 per cent of the high tension system is underground, there are areas that still have an overhead system.
Next is the secondary distribution grid, consisting of the low tension lines. Once this has been completed, the technicians can start on the individual house connections. GEBE has approximately 18,500 electricity connections in St. Maarten.
GEBE is asking residents for their continued patience as the repair crews continue their work in the various neighbourhoods.
"The crews are working as fast as they can, but also as safely as they can," a GEBE statement read. "Reports that a repair worker in Antigua was electrocuted during the restoration of the electrical network after Hurricane Earl have underlined the need for our workers to be safe and take their time while working on the electrical grid. High tension lines can carry as much as 12,600 volts and workers need to be sure that lines are not electrified before they can begin their repairs."
As for St. Maarten Cable TV, technicians have already repaired and upgraded a number of areas, including Philipsburg, Fort Willem, Madame Estate, Guana Bay, South Reward, Ebenezer, St. John's, Saunders, Retreat Estate, Belvedere, Arch Road and parts of Sucker Garden. Cable TV and Internet services have been restored in these areas.
If any subscribers in these areas still do not have service, this is due to a broken house drop and they should inform the Cable TV offices. Cable TV management further explained that if there were damaged or broken poles on the main route or side streets, these needed to be replaced or repaired by the respective companies before any repairs could be done by Cable TV's technical team. Cable TV will provide a detailed listing of these areas in its next update.
Following the restoration of electricity in the Cole Bay area, the technical team was busy checking the main cable route right down to the Lowlands. The public should also note that if GEBE implements load-shedding in the districts, this will delay Cable TV's restoration process.
Cable TV offices can be contacted at 542-4361.
