The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has announced that it will undertake a significant infrastructure upgrade project to convert a portion of its power distribution system from overhead to underground.

The aim of this initiative is to improve the reliability and resilience of the electricity network and minimize power outages caused by inclement weather conditions.

The conversion project will begin from the junction of WIOC Pond and Friars Hill Road and extend up to Government House.

This is part of the wider National Highway & Community Beautification Project that the Ministry of Housing, Works, Lands, & Urban Development has commenced on Friars Hill Road.

The APUA was consulted on the feasibility of the project, and the timeline for the removal of the overhead lines has been carefully planned.

The Electricity, Telecommunications, and Water Business Units of the APUA have already made provisions and altered infrastructural upgrades during the previous road rehabilitation project, which will facilitate more efficient maintenance operations.

The Electricity and Telecommunications Business Units have made adequate preparations for the overhead to underground conversion.

This involves installing new underground cables, transformers, switchgear, and other necessary equipment.

The project is a significant undertaking and will require extensive excavation works, but it will ultimately provide a more reliable and resilient power distribution system.

The APUA Electricity Business Unit anticipates that the energizing of the underground distribution system will take place by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

This conversion project is a crucial step for the APUA in ensuring that its power distribution system is up to date and can withstand any weather conditions, thereby providing its customers with reliable power supply.

With this new infrastructure upgrade, the APUA will be better equipped to meet the growing demands of its customers and provide them with a more reliable and sustainable power supply.