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The public
supply of electricity in Anguilla is relatively new.
Before 1975, the level of electrification on the island
was limited to The Valley area. The Valley network
consisted of a small medium voltage system which
supplied businesses and residents within a mere 500
metre radius of the Valley Power Station. Because of the
lack of consumers, electricity sales at that time were
very low.
In 1975, the high voltage network was introduced, with
the intention of electrifying the entire island. By
1989, electricity was made available to almost all
residences and businesses. Since 1986, the electricity
consumption has increased at a rapid rate. The high
growth rate can be attributed to the increased
acceptance and dependence on this service by new
consumers, as well as the growth of the consumer
base through new connections, and lastly, the growth of
the tourist industry bolstering electricity consumption
by hotels, restaurants, and construction.
Anglec’s Generation Department consists of an operations
staff responsible for ensuring that the demand for
electricity is met and tracking the performance of the
generating units. A maintenance staff is
responsible for keeping the generating units in top
operating condition. It is through the combined efforts
of these groups that Anglec is able to provide Anguilla
with the generating capacity it needs to grow.
Currently, there are 14 units in operation, with the
capacity to generate more than 24 megawatts of
electricity.
While 24 megawatts may seem like a large capacity
compared to current levels of peak demand, it is
important to remember that not all units are available
at all times. Routine maintenance and major overhauls,
as well as unexpected mechanical equipment failure, can
cause reductions in available generating capacity.
The maximum demand recorded at the end of December 2006
was 13 MW.
At the end
of 2006, units generated were 79,506,688 K.W.H compared
to 72,040,745 K.W.H in 2005.
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