fp Turks and Caicos

FortisTCI Ltd. held its first “Customer Information Session” with executive board members, officers, and directors of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce and the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association.

The Feb. 9 session is part of Fortis’ 2012 strategic plan focused on increasing customer relations. Guests received an inside look at the day to day operations at the utility that provides most of the electrical power for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Those who attended explored Providenciales plant facilities and new office accommodations and spoke with FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell and his executive team. Powell stressed the need to form stronger relationships between the company and the community as a means of fostering open lines of communication.

“Our Customer Service Forums will give us an opportunity to listen to our customers’ needs,” he said. “It will also give us the ability to explain the unique challenges and opportunities facing the utility industry, particularly in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Discussions began with an overview of Fortis Inc. and its subsidiaries. Emphasis was placed on the high cost of fuel in the Caribbean, the importance of energy conservation, the realities of renewable energy as it relates to the TCI and other mutual concerns between the utility and the business community.

“I am extremely happy to have had the opportunity to hear and see what was presented today,” said Stacy Cox, association executive of the TCHTA. “It personally clarified a number of misconceptions that I had about this company.”

Powell also highlighted the commitment that FortisTCI has to the country.

“FortisTCI has a vested interest in the community, with total investments approaching $200 million, and growing,” Powell said. “We are committed to a strong and competitive economy in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and it is the business community that will ultimately turn the economy around.”

Those that attended Thursday’s meeting were equally satisfied with being given the facts.

“I was pleased by the honesty and openness of our conversation,” said Clayton Been, executive board member of the chamber. “Having been somewhat of a skeptic myself, it is clear from this session that FortisTCI and their entire team have a powerful story that is yet to be told.”