BVIEC CLARIFIES SECURITY DEPOSIT PROCEDURE AND ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO UPDATE CONTACT INFO

Tortola, British Virgin Islands, June 22, 2026 — The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is providing further clarity on its security deposit procedure and encouraging customers to ensure their account contact information is current, following recent public discussions surrounding deposit adjustments.

BVIEC wishes to assure customers that the security deposit requirement is not a new policy. It forms part of the Corporation’s long-standing account management process, which allows customer accounts to be reviewed to ensure the security deposit on file remains in line with the customer’s electricity usage.

Under the policy, security deposits are reviewed to reflect twice the estimated monthly electricity bill. This helps ensure that accounts are properly secured, particularly in cases where final balances may remain unpaid after an account is closed. The last broad review of security deposits was conducted more than five years ago, making the recent review necessary as part of responsible account management.

The security deposit adjustment initiative was launched on March 9, 2026. Prior to its launch, BVIEC carried out a public awareness campaign, which included a press release issued to local media, information shared on BVIEC’s website and official social media platforms, and notices displayed at the Corporation’s Long Bush Office.

Customers who fell within the scope of the review, including business accounts and rental accounts where electricity service was transferred into the renter’s name, were also contacted directly using the contact information available on their accounts. This included email and telephone contact to advise them of the deposit adjustment, the amount required, and the available payment plan option.

BVIEC provided a four-month payment plan for customers who were unable to pay the adjusted deposit in full. This option allows the total amount due to be paid in equal installments. Customers who enter into a payment plan are required to remain current with the agreed payments. Where payments remain outstanding and no form of payment is received, the account may become subject to disconnection in keeping with the Corporation’s procedures.

The Corporation understands that disconnection can be disruptive, especially for businesses, and such action is not taken lightly. BVIEC’s aim is to ensure that customers are aware of the process, understand their options, and take the necessary steps to keep their accounts in good standing.

BVIEC also wishes to make clear that all security deposits, including deposit adjustments, are fully refundable once an account is closed in good standing, meaning there are no outstanding balances or arrears on the account.

As some customers have indicated that they were unaware of the initiative despite the public notices and direct outreach, BVIEC is appealing to all customers to contact the Customer Service Unit to update their account information, including current telephone numbers and email addresses. Accurate contact information is critical to helping BVIEC share important account updates, service advisories, policy notices, payment reminders and other time-sensitive information.

Customers are also encouraged to follow BVIEC’s official Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms (https://qr1.be/EN84DC) to stay informed of public notices, outage updates, advisories, initiatives and other important announcements.

BVIEC remains committed to improving customer communication and ensuring that customers have clear, timely and accurate information regarding policies, procedures and account requirements.

 

About BVIEC

The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation is the sole provider of electricity services in the Virgin Islands, committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable power to residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the Territory. BVIEC continues to invest in workforce development, grid modernisation, and resilience to meet the evolving energy needs of the Virgin Islands.