By Samantha Simon
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is calling for all owners of alternative energy systems to officially register their installations, citing serious safety concerns for utility workers and potential legal implications for unauthorized systems.
The utilities company currently has 308 registered properties feeding energy back into the grid through its program, which has been operational since 2011.
However, “There are quite a few installations that are not approved by the authorities,” revealed Eustace Lynch, APUA Electric Business Unit Superintendent.
These unauthorized installations pose significant risks, particularly during power outages when linesmen are working to restore service.
“If they don’t have the proper connection, they can feed back on the line and electrocute our linesmen,” Lynch warned.
He also expressed particular concern about systems with battery storage that haven’t been properly inspected.
“Some of these services even may have batteries, and we don’t know if that’s connected properly,” he said. “At this moment these services that are connected without approval; we can only think that they are unsafe.”
The proper registration process involves several steps, beginning with APUA’s approval before the system is purchased.
“Apply to the authority … and the authority will look to the drawing and make sure that the drawing is within the policy,” Lynch explained.
After approval, customers can proceed with installation, followed by a $150 inspection fee and final verification by APUA.
For registered systems, APUA installs a specialized “bi-directional meter” that measures both incoming and outgoing power flow.
Customers receive credit on their electrical bills for excess power feedback into the grid.
Unauthorized installations violate the Utility Act of 1973.
While no penalties have been enforced to date, APUA is actively working to bring unauthorized systems into compliance.
“We are working with those people who would have already installed these services. We have asked them to make applications so that we can come out and check these services,” Lynch said.
The superintendent concluded with a direct appeal to owners of unauthorized systems:
“I want to reiterate the services that are not authorized or approved … I’m asking the persons who have these services to come to APUA and make an application so that we can regularize these services. We want to make sure that our crews, when they go out to work, they can be able to work safely.”
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