IRC issues warning on use of generators

The use of generators has blossomed since Hurricane Maria

Since the passage of Hurricane Maria in September last year, there has been an enormous increase in the use of generators in Dominica since large portions of the island remain without electricity.

However, the Independent Regulatory Commission has issued some guidance and warning in the proper use of such machines, since the electricity they generate can kill.

Francis Paul of the IRC said that proper connections are important when using generators.

“First of all people may have heard DOMLEC sometime asking persons to make sure that they don’t allow stray electricity to get on the grid because it has the effect that if people working on the grid that it could electrocute someone,” he said on Kairi FM’s Healthy People, Health Environs radio program. “So it is important that persons know that when you have a generator you have to connect it properly, that you have a transfer switch or a change-over switch … so that when you when you are not switched to DOMLEC, you switch to your generator.”

He stated that with the use of such switches, there is no connection between DOMLEC lines and the home.

“So it is important that people know that you just don’t connect,” he said.

Paul explained that users should not overload generators, sensitive equipment must be protected and generators must be grounded.

“Sometimes you can connect the generator in a way that it doesn’t pass through your main switch, it doesn’t pass through your protective devices,” he noted. “So you also have to ensure that your generators are grounded.”

He stated that these are some of the safety measures the IRC would like people to observe.

“And that is why it is important that the Commission is aware of these generators, aware whether they are licensed because there may be needs sometimes to send somebody to test, to make sure things are done properly because the Commission has a responsibility to ensure safety because a generator or wires themselves, in terms of electricity, can cause fires,” he said.

Paul also said the IRC is mandated by law to regulate the electricity sector.

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12 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    January 13, 2018

    Let’s face it, IRC is redundant right now. They are just giving people a pain in their behind and expect tephem to pay for that privilege, unbelievable.

  2. no face
    January 12, 2018

    Do we really pay people to talk this nonsense? man go find something to plant.

  3. Roy
    January 12, 2018

    Somebody was asking if solar energy would still come through when it rains or if the sky was overcast.
    The solar panels are becoming more efficient.They just need daylight to generate electricity, which is then stored in batteries. So rainy or not, dark or not you can still get electricity.
    Of course the brighter it is the more electricity will be generated.

  4. The One and only
    January 12, 2018

    Garbage….unless I receive electricity from Domlec, my generator will be used non-stop.

  5. marie-claire R Skerrit
    January 11, 2018

    Domlec need to stop this nonsense in giving who they want power back and get this country back on the grid

  6. Pamala
    January 11, 2018

    So hurry give me light

  7. Dominican
    January 11, 2018

    Ms. Paul, I agree with you that a generator, powering appliances that are connected to the grid should have a transfer switch, which must be professionally installed. However, most of Domlec’s feeder lines are currently not active or not connected to a domestic outlet so there is little danger of power feed back into the grid. It is easy enough to check this before any premises are reconnected to the net and decline to do so before such safety features are in place. The reason why people are using these generators is because Domlec can not- or will not supply them and you will have a tough task putting the genie back into the bottle. To me trying to lay down the law now may well cause unrest, which is undesirable, especially for a government that pays your wages. I don’t envy you but nonetheless wish you good luck.

  8. Tobby
    January 11, 2018

    That is why we need to think before we talk because you all shouldn’t just jump on people like that about their generators after what happened in Dca by that storm, and calling on customs to see who bringing in generator and license this and license that, all electrical system can cause fire whether generator of Domlec, Im also happy for the guidance because I guess people need to express their concern and not just one man. Never let your own people suffer and to me that what happen in my country, one dnt want to see the other have more than them. So condemning every minor thing.

  9. January 11, 2018

    I think Domlec should hurry up and connect pte Michel with electricity it was the most damage , and it is close to the city so what’s the problem?.

  10. zandoli
    January 11, 2018

    Paul, although you are mandated to regulate the electricity sector, that does mean you need to get bogged down in minutiae. I applaud the attempt at educating the public, but over-regulation has never proven to work. People find all kids of ways to work around regulations.

    I think education as it relates to safety is the key here.

  11. TPH
    January 11, 2018

    Great advise and information! It’s best though to not just say it on ONE radio station, but rather on ALL. If it wasn’t for this short article from DNO I would not have known this was said.

    There are other radio stations which persons tune into at different times of the day, USE ‘EM.

  12. Irma
    January 11, 2018

    Well if all you so concerned and afraid for our safety, hurry up and bring back the power!
    My child have exams coming up soon and the noise from my generator distracting him. Plus i cannot leave it on for extended periods.
    So is all you that have to put pressure on Domlec. Not us.

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