FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026

Eleuthera, Bahamas— Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited (BPL) is carrying out electrical upgrades at Preston Albury High School and Emma Cooper Primary School in Eleuthera following disruptions in power supply caused by increased electricity demand at both campuses.

Additional electrical infrastructure, including air-conditioning units, was installed at the schools over the summer. The resulting increase in demand exceeded the capacity of the existing electrical services. BPL was not notified of the upgrades beforehand, preventing the company from assessing whether the existing infrastructure could accommodate the additional load.

BPL Area Manager for Eleuthera, Mark Bethel, said teams are already on the ground carrying out the necessary upgrades. “Our team is presently working at the schools to upgrade the electrical infrastructure, including the installation of a new transformer and associated cables. We are working to have the installation completed by Monday and restore a stable supply that can adequately support the schools’ increased demand,” Bethel said.

The power supply disruptions resulted in students being dismissed from both schools. Northern Regional Manager Marvin Green said BPL is focused on addressing the immediate issue while ensuring the upgraded infrastructure is better suited to the schools’ present needs.

“Schools are critical facilities in our communities, so we understand the importance of providing them with a reliable power supply. Our teams are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the necessary upgrades are completed as quickly and safely as possible, while putting the appropriate infrastructure in place to support the additional demand,” Green said.

BPL is also using the situation to remind schools, businesses and other consumers planning significant electrical upgrades to contact the company before adding equipment that may substantially increase their electricity demand.

BPL Chief Operating Officer Anthony Christie said early communication allows the company to determine whether existing equipment can safely and reliably accommodate increased loads.

“When major electrical equipment is added to a property, particularly equipment such as multiple air-conditioning units, it can significantly increase the demand being placed on BPL’s infrastructure,” Christie said.

He continued, “We strongly encourage consumers to engage BPL before undertaking these types of upgrades so that our technical teams can assess the anticipated load and determine whether changes to transformers, cables or other equipment are required. That coordination can help prevent avoidable disruptions and ensure the electrical service is properly sized for the customer’s needs.”

BPL remains committed to working with its partners to strengthen electrical infrastructure where needed, keeping pace with the growing needs of communities across The Bahamas.