fp Turks and Caicos

The new Standard Customer and Secondary Voltage Guidelines focus on the standard of both temporary and permanent electrical service connections in PPC’s service territory.

During the rebuilding of some older sections of the electrical infrastructure, PPC recognised that there were several inconsistencies and possible safety concerns in some areas. The major concern was the older secondary connections to the customers’ main connection point, which prompted creation of the new guidelines.

In an effort to maintain its working relationship with government, PPC presented a copy of the guidelines to Frank Penn, electrical inspector of the Electrical Commission.

“As part of PPC’s commitment to safety we have developed these standards to ensure our customers receive safe, reliable electrical service,” Devon Cox, PPC’s Director of Operations, said during the presentation. “By publishing the standards, the customer will understand the requirements to get electrical service and should receive consistent information from PPC, the electrical inspector and the electrician installing the service.”

Details of the document have been agreed upon and reviewed by relevant parties, the Electrical Commission and PPC. This document also guarantees that customers will have access to information that is accurate and consistent with one of PPC’s primary objectives — safety. These new standards will also ensure that proper clearances are maintained over roads, driveways and customers’ properties.

“The Electrical Commission supports the efforts of the Management of PPC Ltd. to educate and inform electricians and electrical contractors of the minimum requirements and expectations for services and service equipment installations,” Penn said. “The document serves to standardise the installation of services, feeders and equipment that subscribes to high levels of safety to personnel, property and equipment.

“We are cognizant of the need to strive not only to attain the highest safety standards but also to minimise and prevent illegal circuit connections, electricity pilferage and less than professional workmanship.”

PPC and the Electrical Commission hope that within a few months all stakeholders will become familiar with the new standards and make the new connection process run smoother.