NWC to expand backup power supply to limit water disruptions

  

National Water Commission customers could see continued water supply during and after hurricanes as the utility company moves to expand its backup power supply.

 

The development, which includes the procurement of additional generators, is in response to the prolonged disruption in water supply and distribution to communities across the island, following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.  

 

Acting Communications Manager Delano Williams says the NWC and other stakeholders are working to create greater resilience during disasters and unpredictable weather events. 

 

"We've already gotten commitment from government and a number of our own resources are being mobilised to source additional generators, so we do have, just that it requires a large bit of money," he said, noting that the government has committed $750 million. 

 

He said the entity is trying to secure at least 50 generators, some of which will be mobile, "meaning they are not just installed and stationed and bolted down at a single plant". 

 

Preparation for this bolstered system, Mr. Williams added, would take four to eight weeks. 

 

He said the NWC's alternative energy capacity is also being expanded to incorporate solar energy generation. 

 

"We've been exploring the facilities where it's possible. We are currently in the build stage for one at Forest Hills, which is another significant well in Kingston, lifting all the way up to Red Hills. There's one also in Montego Bay that is now coming on course. We do have a number of assessments underway for some other locations, to have a build out of alternate power solutions. On the southern side [of the island] there are some options for wind. We're looking to see how feasible those are as well to harness," he disclosed while speaking Sunday on Radio Jamaica's weekly news review programme, That's A Rap.

 

Jamaica Public Service Company power stations, especially across sections of the southern coast took a hard hit during Beryl which, brought dangerous category 4 winds and rain.

 

NWC power and distribution centres are powered by JPS, halting piped water supply for more than a month in some areas.

 

The situation has since prompted calls for less reliance on the JPS.