Philipsburg:--- The operational manager of GEBE power plant Kenrick Chittick told reporters on Monday that the current power outages from GEBE is caused mainly because GEBE have been experiencing some electrical failures with its two new generators. Chittick said while they have reduced the length of time for the power outages, the electrical failures they are faced with is nothing new or out of the ordinary. He said even with the old generators they are having the same type of problem; Chittick said on several occasions the engines just shut down because of a short circuit and tripping.
The operations manager said GEBE is also conducting its general overhaul for at least three of its engines namely 12, 15, and 16. These overhauls were postponed from last year and each of the engines would take a minimum of three to four weeks before the overhaul is complete. Chittick said the new generators that GEBE has purchased has caused the company to save monies and time especially when there are ground seas. He said the new engines have radiator cooling system verses the seawater cooling which normally clog their systems.
The operations manager said GEBE is also planning to purchase another new generator early next year so that they can compete with the supply and demand. Currently GEBE is supplying 53 megawatts during peak time while they have a 72 megawatts capacity.
GEBE is also looking into upgrading its waste management system to avoid future oil spills. Chittick said GEBE already have a waste management system, which overflowed last week. He said the company does not pump waste oil in the sea intentionally. On the contrary, they ship their unused oil to Trinidad at the oil refinery for processing.
