Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2021)

Schedule 4

(Section 30(5))

(Substituted by Act 12 of 2006 and amended by Act 13 of 2006)

CHAPTER 9.02
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ACT

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION

List of Subsidiary Legislation

Electricity Regulations

(Statutory Instruments 26/1971, 28/1986, 2/1988 and 3/1995)

Statutory Instrument 26/1971 .. in force 1 March 1972

Amended by S.I. 28/1986 .. in force 1 April 1986

Amended by S.I. 2/1988 .. in force 23 January 1988

Amended by S.I. 3/1995 .. in force 14 January 1995

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

PART 1
GENERAL

PART 2
OVERHEAD LINE

PART 3
WIREMEN OR LINESMEN GENERALLY

PART 4
MISCELLANEOUS

ELECTRICITY REGULATIONS – SECTION 64These regulations were made under section 45 of the Electricity Supply Act, 1964, which Act was repealed by the Electricity Supply Act. The regulations are continued in force by section 67 of the repealing Act.

Commencement [1 March 1972]

PART 1
GENERAL

1.   Citation

These Regulations may be cited as the Electricity Regulations.

2.   Interpretation

In these Regulations —

“apparatus” means electrical apparatus and includes all apparatus, machines, consuming devices in which conductors are used or of which they form a part;

“assistant electrical inspector” means an assistant electrical inspector appointed under regulation 3;

“authorised person” means a person employed, appointed or selected by the Supply Authority, or the management or the owner of an installation or by a contractor to carry out duties incidental to the generation, transformation, distribution or use of energy, such person being competent for the purpose for which he or she is employed, the burden of proof of competency being on the employer, appointor or selector;

“Chief Electrical Inspector” means the person appointed under regulation 3;

“circuit” means an electrical circuit forming a system or branch of a system;

“conductor” means an electrical conductor arranged to be electrically connected to a system;

“connected with earth” means connected with the general mass of earth in such manner as will ensure at all times an immediate and safe discharge of energy;

“consumer” means a person who is supplied with energy or whose premises are connected for the purposes of a supply of energy with any system of public supply;

“danger” means danger to health or to human life or limb from shock, burn or other injury resulting from the generation, transformation, distribution or use of energy and includes danger to property from fire;

“dead” means at or about earth potential and disconnected from any live system;

“electric line” means a wire or wires, conductor, or other means used for the purpose of conveying, transmitting or distributing electricity with any casing, coating, covering, tube, pipe, or insulator enclosing, surrounding, or supporting the same, or any part thereof, or any apparatus connected therewith for the purpose of conveying, transmitting or distributing electricity or electric currents;

“energy” means electric energy when generated, transmitted, supplied or used for any purpose except the transmission of a message;

“Form” means Form which is set out in Schedule 1;

“generator” means a dynamo of any type for the generation of energy;

“high voltage” means a voltage normally exceeding 650 volts;

“installation” means the whole of any particular plant, apparatus or works designed for the supply or use, or both, as the case may be, of electrical energy, under one ownership and where management is prescribed, in charge of the same management, including prime movers, if any, with all necessary plant and buildings, in this connection, electric supply lines and consuming apparatus if any;

“licence” means a licence issued under the provisions of these Regulations permitting the licensee to operate or work an installation; and also includes a duplicate licence;

“licensee” means a person permitted by licence to work or operate an installation and includes an authorised agent;

“licensed linesman” means a person who is the holder of a valid licence issued to him or her under the provisions of these Regulations;

“licensed wireman” means a person who is the holder of a valid licence as such issued to him or her under the provisions of these Regulations;

“Licensing Authority” means the Licensing Authority appointed by Cabinet;

“live” means electrically charged and liable to be charged with energy;

“low voltage” means a voltage not exceeding 250 volts under normal conditions subject however to the percentage variation allowed by any Statute in force in Saint Lucia at the time;

“main” means any electric line through which energy may be supplied by the Supply Authority for the purpose of general supply;

“management” means the authorised person placed in charge of an installation by the licensee or owner or by a contractor;

“medium voltage” means a voltage exceeding 250 volts but not exceeding 650 volts under normal conditions subject however to the percentage variation allowed by any Statute in force in Saint Lucia at the time;

“motor” means a motor of any type for the transformation of electrical energy into mechanical energy;

“pressure” means the difference of electrical potential between any 2 conductors or between a conductor and the earth, as read by a standard volt meter;

“prime mover” means a machine supplying power to a generator for the purpose of generating energy;

“private safety” means the obviating of danger to individuals or to private property;

“public safety” means the obviating of danger to the general public, to public property and to roads, streets, wharves, piers, bridges, water-works and their appurtenances and telegraphic, telephonic and other electrical signalling lines;

“service line” means any electric line through which energy may be supplied by the Supply Authority to a consumer either from any main or directly from the premises of the Supply Authority;

“sub-station” means any ground, premises or enclosure or part thereof, being large enough to admit the entrance of a person after the apparatus therein is in position, containing apparatus for transforming, converting or controlling energy, and includes the apparatus therein;

“Supply Authority” means any local authority, company or person authorised by law to generate, distribute and sell electrical energy to any other person;

“supply terminals” means the ends of the electric lines situate upon any consumer's premises at which the supply of energy is delivered from the service lines;

“system” means an electrical system in which all conductors and apparatus are electrically connected to a common source of voltage, and includes all the said apparatus and conductors;

“transformation” includes the transformation of pressure up or down by static, rotary or electro-chemical means;

“wiring installation point” means any termination of the fixed wiring intended for the attachment of a lumiaire or a device for connecting to the supply a current using appliance;

“works” means and includes electric lines, also any buildings, machinery, engines, works, matters or things of whatever description required to supply electricity.

(Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

3.   Appointment of Chief Electrical Inspector

The Public Service Commission shall appoint a Chief Electrical Inspector and such number of assistant electrical inspectors as may be required to inspect installations, electrical plant, apparatus, works and to perform such other duties as may be prescribed. (Substituted by S.I. 2/1988)

4.   Standard of wiring of buildings

Every new installation and every extension or replacement of any existing installation, unless otherwise prescribed by the Chief Electrical Inspector, shall comply with the standards fixed by the Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings issued by the Institution of Electrical Engineers and approved by the Electricity Commissioners of Great Britain which are in force on the date of the completion of such installation, extension or replacement and are herein called the I.E.E. Regulations. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

5.   Chief Electrical Inspector may prescribe design

The Chief Electrical Inspector may prescribe —

1.  

   (a)     installations for which applications shall be accompanied by a diagramatic electrical layout or an electrical plan of such installation;

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   (b)     class or design of wires, fittings and apparatus to be used by consumers and the manner in which they shall be fixed, arranged, protected and controlled and provide for the erection, inspection, testing and maintenance thereof;

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   (c)     measures to be taken and the fittings to be supplied and used in connection with installations in order to ensure public safety and private safety;

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   (d)     intervals, times and manner in which any installation or apparatus shall be inspected; and

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   (e)     notice to be given in relation to inspections and the preparations to be made by the licensee and the management for such inspections.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

6.   Notification of intention to work on new installations

Every licensed wireman or linesman, before commencing work on any new installation, shall give notice to the Chief Electrical Inspector on the prescribed Form D of his or her intention to carry out such work. The owner or occupier of such installation shall, on completion of it, make application to the Chief Electrical Inspector on the prescribed Form E for an inspection by him or her of same. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

7.   Notification of addition or alteration to installation

Every licensed wireman or linesman, before commencing any work by way of addition or alteration to an installation which has been completed and for which a certificate of approval under these Regulations has been issued or which was connected prior to the coming into force of these Regulations shall notify the Chief Electrical Inspector on the prescribed Form C of the nature of such proposed addition or alteration. The owner or occupier of the installation shall on completion of the work make application to the Chief Electrical Inspector on the prescribed Form E for an inspection of the installation and it shall be inspected within a reasonable time of receipt of the owner's or occupier's completed application for inspection. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

8.   Inspection certificate of approval on completion of new installation

1.  

   (1)   It shall not be lawful to connect or operate any new installation or any extension or replacement of any existing installation connected to any public supply unless a certificate in the prescribed Form F is obtained.

1.  

   (2)   Prior to the connection of an installation in any building to the Supply Authority's distribution and service lines circuits, such installations shall be inspected and tested by the Chief Electrical Inspector in accordance with regulation 4, and on being satisfied that the requirements have been met, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall issue a certificate in the prescribed Form F to the owner or occupier of such building. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

9.   Inspection certificate of approval on completion of addition, alteration etc. to any old installation

It shall not be lawful to operate any electrical installation or any extension thereto or replacement thereof connected after the coming into force of these Regulations without having the same duly inspected and before the issue of the relevant certificate of approval.

10.   Periodical inspections

In addition to inspections during construction and final inspection on completion, all installations, while in operation, shall be inspected at such intervals as the Chief Electrical Inspector may deem fit. The owner or occupier, management and persons in charge of all installations shall afford full facilities for inspection at all reasonable times. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

11.   Entry on premises

1.  

   (1)   The Chief Electrical Inspector and Assistant Inspectors may enter upon any premises in or upon which an installation or apparatus may be at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting such installation or apparatus.

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   (2)   Any person who obstructs the Chief Electrical Inspector or an Assistant Inspector in the execution of his or her duty under paragraph (1) of this regulation commits an offence against these Regulations, and on summary conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding $24.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

12.   Procedure if installation does not comply with Regulations in force

Where a supply of energy is being afforded to a consumer by the Supply Authority and the Chief Electrical Inspector, after making such examinations as circumstances permit, and having reasonable grounds for supposing that the installation does not comply with these Regulations or such installation causes interference to the supply to other consumers, or is in any way dangerous, he or she may —

1.  

   (a)     serve notice (stating the defects in detail) on the owner or occupier of such installation to have the defect remedied within a prescribed time, failing which the Chief Electrical Inspector shall request the Supply Authority to have the supply to such installation discontinued within 24 hours; or

1.  

   (b)     disconnect the whole or part of such installation as a work of emergency in the interests of private safety or of public safety, or in order to avoid undue interference with the efficient supply of energy to other consumers.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

13.   Procedure in case of dangerouse defect in installation or apparatus

1.  

   (1)   Every owner, occupier, manager, or person in charge of an installation or consumer, on becoming aware of a defect in an installation or apparatus which is likely to cause danger, shall make a report in writing to the Chief Electrical Inspector otherwise he or she commits an offence against these Regulations and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $24.

1.  

   (2)   On receiving a report of a defect in an installation or apparatus which is likely to cause danger, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall inspect and make such examinations and tests and if necessary take the appropriate action under regulations 12 and 15.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

14.   Operating installation or apparatus while order of disconnection is in force

If any person operates or uses an installation or apparatus while an order of disconnection is in force, he or she commits an offence against these Regulations and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $25.

15.   Chief Electrical Inspector must notify disconnection to owner, occupier and Supply Authority

In the event that the Chief Electrical Inspector finds it necessary to take immediate action as prescribed in regulation 12(b), he or she shall —

1.  

   (a)     inform the owner or occupier in writing stating the defects found; and

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   (b)     notify the Supply Authority within 24 hours.

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   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

16.   Serious accidents to be reported to Chief Electrical Inspector, and the Minister may order inquiry

1.  

   (1)   Where any accident resulting in loss of life, grevious injury to any person, or serious damage to property, has occurred in connection with any installation, electrical plant or apparatus, the owner, occupier, manager, or person in charge of such installation or apparatus or consumer as the case may be, shall within 24 hours report the facts in writing to the Chief Electrical Inspector who shall thereupon immediately notify the Supply Authority of such accident and visit the place where the accident occurred and make investigations into the cause of the accident.

1.  

   (2)   In the event of loss of life or grevious injury to any person due to any accident in connection with any installation or apparatus, no alterations or additions shall, without the consent of the Chief Electrical Inspector, be made to any part of such installation or apparatus which may have contributed to such accident.

However, nothing herein contained shall operate to interfere with rescue work or work necessary for the general safety of life and property.

1.  

   (3)   Where there is any accident resulting in loss of life or grevious injury to any person in connection with any installation, electrical plant or apparatus, and the Chief Electrical Inspector, after making investigations, has reason to believe that the accident was due to any failure to comply with the provisions of these Regulations or neglect of any lawful order by the Chief Electrical Inspector, or if the Chief Electrical Inspector is satisfied that the accident might have been avoided if proper precautions had been taken and observed in the working of any such installation, electrical plant or apparatus, he or she shall send a copy of his or her findings to the Minister who may, in his or her discretion, order an inquiry into the circumstances of the accident.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

17.   Special earthing requirements for buildings

No water mains shall be used for earthing of electrical installations.

1.  

   An earth rod of not less than 6 feet should be driven into the ground with 4″ exposed for connecting the earth clamp. The rods should be of copper or galvanized. The minimum size of the earthing lead should be 10 square millimetre P.V.C. insulated, protected by a rigid P.V.C. conduit with an outer protection of galvanized piping and all leading and terminating into a neat concrete boxing about one foot square where the earth rod should be housed. A slab should be provided for covering same and a ring or other means of removing for inspection when necessary.

1.  

   In order to avoid using an outer protection of galvanized piping the P.V.C. conduit can be embeded in concrete where possible. Where the galvanized piping has to be used the P.V.C. conduit should exceed in length one or 2 inches at either end to avoid abrasion from the galvanized pipe. A more rigid clamp should be used in place of the copper strap normally used.

PART 2
OVERHEAD LINE

18.   Inspecting and testing of Supply Authority lines and apparatus before connecting to a system

1.  

   (1)   Electric lines and apparatus of the Supply Authority for use at low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage shall not be connected to a system for the purpose of the supply of energy unless they are inspected and tested in the presence of the Chief Electrical Inspector and approved by him or her.

1.  

   (2)   The tests required for the said electric lines and apparatus shall be either —

   1.  

      (a)     the tests prescribed in the Electricity Supply Regulations, 1937, made by the Electricity Commissioners of the United Kingdom and any Rules made thereunder; or

   1.  

      (b)     such alternative tests as the Supply Authority may, with the approval of the Chief Electrical Inspector, adopt.

   1.  

      (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

19.   Notice of intention to erect

The Supply Authority shall notify the Chief Electrical Inspector in writing of their intention to erect, extend or alter any of their electric lines or apparatus. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

20.   Materials to be used for line conductors

1.  

   (1)   All materials used, to the specifications of the British Engineering Standards Institution and to the Post Office Technical Instructions for the Construction of Aerial Lines in force so far as they are applicable and are not inconsistent with these Regulations, shall at the time of erection conform except as may be otherwise approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector.

1.  

   (2)   Line conductors shall be of copper, aluminium, galvanised steel or such other materials as may be approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector.

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   (3)   All line conductors at the time of erection shall comply, as regards elongation, breaking load and elasticity, with the British Engineering Standards Specification then in force.

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   (4)   The minimum permissible size for line conductors shall have an actual breaking load of not less than 550 lbs., the equivalent cross-sectional area for copper being 0.0085 square inch (No. 12 SWG), 300 lbs. the equivalent cross-sectional area .005 square inch (No. 14 SWG) where the wires are covered with weather proof insulating material to be used in the makings of stranded conductors only.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

21.   Line conductors shall be inaccessible

1.  

   (1)   Line conductors (other than those fully insulated for the voltage at which they are to operate), and neutral conductors connected with earth, shall be rendered inaccessible to any person from any building or other place without the use of a ladder or other special appliance.

1.  

   (2)   Consideration shall be given to the normal use by the occupier of any premises or land (including maintenance work on the outside of buildings) and where necessary, the position of the line conductors shall be selected to provide sufficient clearance for safety in accordance with such use.

22.   Connection of service lines

Service lines shall be connected to line conductors at a point of support only and shall be fixed to insulators on consumers' premises. Every part of a service line, other than a neutral conductor connected with earth, which is accessible from a building with or without the use of a ladder or other special appliance, shall be efficiently protected either by weather proof insulating material or by other means approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

23.   Minimum height of conductor

The height from the ground of any line conductor other than a service line, earth wire, or auxilliary conductor at any point of the span at a temperature of 122ø F., shall not, except with the consent of the Chief Electrical Inspector, be less than the height appropriate to the voltage and situations indicated as follows —

1.  

   (2)   For service lines the height from the ground shall not, except with the consent of the Chief Electrical Inspector, be less than that of lines carrying between 212 volts and 650 volts.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

24.   Supports for line conductors

1.  

   (1)   Line conductors shall be attached to insulators suitable for the voltage at which they operate and shall be carried on supports of wood, steel or reinforced concrete poles. Where steel poles are used, special precautions shall be taken to prevent the corrosion of all metal work at and below the surface of the ground.

1.  

   (2)   Wooden poles shall be of wallaba or other woods which may be approved for tropical pole line construction, and shall be given suitable preservative treatment for such use. The treatment required in the case of wallaba poles shall be butt treatment of a creosote and tar mixture or other treatment which may be approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector. For the design of such wooden poles British Standard 1990: 1953 shall apply, the wallaba being taken as equivalent to European larch. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

1.  

   (3)   Poles shall be designed to have the following factors of safety when the conductors supported by them are subjected to the wind-loads specified in regulation 25 —

   (a) For steel poles     —     —	factor of safety: 2.5
   (b) For reinforced, concrete poles     —	factor of safety: 3.5
   (c) For wooden poles     —     —	factor of safety: 3.5.

1.  

   (4)   Cross arms shall be of galvanised steel, English oak, greenheart, or approved domestic hardwoods. When the conductors supported by them are subjected to the wind-loads specified in regulation 25, the factor of safety shall be —

   (a) For galvanized steel	3
   (b) For wooden crossarms	4.

1.  

   (5)   The supports, in conjunction with stays or struts shall withstand the longitudinal, transverse and vertical loads and wind pressure of the designed load without damage or movement in the ground. In no case shall the strength of a support in the direction of the overhead line be less than one quarter the required strength in a direction transverse to the line.

25.   Tension of conductors

The maximum tension of any line or service conductor at 60 degrees F. and subject to a wind exerting a transverse pressure equivalent to 16 lbs. per square foot based on the effect of wind of a recorded velocity of 70 miles per hour acting on the bare conductors and calculated on the whole of the projected area shall not exceed its breaking load divided by 2 for low voltage, medium voltage and service lines, or its breaking load divided by 2.5 for high voltage lines.

26.   Erection of line conductors at different voltages on same support

Where conductors forming parts of systems at different voltages are erected on the same poles or supports, adequate provision shall be made to guard against danger to linesmen and from the lower voltage system being charged above its normal voltage by leakage from or contact with the higher voltage system and shall be constructed as given below in paragraphs (a) to (d) of this regulation —

1.  

   (a)     where high voltage transmission lines and low and medium voltage distribution lines are carried on the same poles, the high voltage lines shall be above the low and medium voltage lines, and the vertical distance between the lowermost high voltage line and the uppermost low voltage line shall not be less than 3 feet;

1.  

   (b)     where low and medium voltage distribution lines are erected in vertical formation and high voltage lines are not supported on the same poles, the neutral conductor shall be erected in the lowermost position;

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   (c)     where low and medium voltage distribution lines cross telephone lines the distribution lines shall have a minimum clearance of 3 feet above the telephone lines and shall have the conductors in vertical formation with the earthed neutral conductor, or the earthed guard wire erected in the lowermost position.

27.   Standard of construction of high voltage transmission lines

1.  

   (1)   The standard of construction of lines shall not be lower than that prescribed in No. 1320 of 1946 issued by the British Standard Institution except as prescribed in paragraph (2) of this regulation.

1.  

   (2)   Spans greater than those enumerated in Tables 3 and 4, British Standard 1320 of 1946 may be used, provided the conductor spacing is appropriately increased to avoid the danger of the wires swinging together and provided the conductors, insulators, crossarms, poles and other appurtenances of the line are designed to provide the same factors of safety as those specified in British Standard 1320 of 1946.

28.   Supply Authority may transform and control energy at high voltage

The Supply Authority may transform or convert high voltage energy in outdoor and indoor sub-stations or switch stations above ground only. Indoor sub-stations and switch stations shall be constructed in accordance with the Electricity Supply Regulations made by the Electricity Commissioners of the United Kingdom.

29.   Outdoor sub-stations

1.  

   (1)   Where outdoor substations and switching apparatus or stations are so constructed that there are no high voltage connections or other live parts less than 15 feet above ground level, no enclosures or other protection is required.

1.  

   (2)   Where sub-stations and switch stations are so constructed that all high voltage and low voltage connections are totally enclosed in a metal casing connected with earth, the said apparatus also being connected with earth, the said apparatus also being connected with the system by armoured electric lines, no further enclosure or other protection is required.

1.  

   (3)   Where outdoor sub-stations and switch stations are so constructed that all high voltage and insulated medium and low voltage connections are less than 15 feet from the ground, such sub-stations and switch stations shall be enclosed with a barbed wire fence not less than 5 feet in height having not less than 10 strands so as to prevent access to the electric lines and apparatus therein by any unauthorised person. This fence shall be so positioned that the horizontal distance from any high voltage connection or any low or medium voltage conductor to the fence shall not be less than 6 feet. Where any high voltage connection or low or medium voltage uninsulated conductor is situated less than 6 feet measured horizontally from the enclosed fence, that part of the fence shall be constructed of 2” mesh chain-link fencing and be not less than 8 feet high.

1.  

   (4)   Entry to enclosures surrounding sub-stations and switch stations shall be through a padlocked gate and permitted only to authorised persons. The gate shall be so positioned, protected and arranged that when opened it shall not be possible for the person opening the gate to come into accidental contact with any metal electrically charged. All metallic parts of fencing and enclosures around sub-stations and switch stations shall be bonded together and efficiently earthed.

1.  

   (5)   Danger notices of the sizes and colours specified in the appropriate British Standard Specification, shall be affixed in prominent positions to all sub-stations.

30.   Means to render high voltage lines dead due to breakage

All high voltage lines shall be protected by suitable fusible cut-outs or circuit breakers so rated that they will disconnect the line from the source of supply should the conductor break and fall to the ground.

31.   Switching and fusing of sub-stations

1.  

   (1)   Every outdoor transformer sub-station shall be provided with means for disconnecting of the high voltage lines from the transformers (switches, insulators or isolating fuses) and these means shall be operated with an appropriate operating pole from outside the enclosure. When the isolators are opened there shall be no live high voltage connection nearer than 9 feet to any platform on which the authorised person may stand. Where a portable ladder is used for the purpose of operating, special means shall be provided to secure the ladder in position and the arrangements shall be such that there is no danger to an authorised person when operating.

1.  

   (2)   In the case of branch high voltage lines feeding single-phased or phase/neutral transformers mounted on poles so that no high voltage connection is less than 15 feet from the ground, it shall be sufficient for the line to such transformers to be controlled by an isolating fuse at the point of tee-off from the main transmission line.

1.  

   (3)   The insertion of a fuse, switch or isolator in the neutral conductor or a phase/neutral line is prohibited.

32.   Earthing

1.  

   (1)   The neutral connection to transformers on a phase/neutral system may be made either through a non-insulated conductor connected to the earthed “star” point of the nearest 3 phase main sub-station, or, where a good earth is available, by connection to earth at the transformer.

1.  

   (2)   Where a phase/neutral transformer has one side of the high voltage connection made through an earth connection at the transformer, this earth connection shall be insulated from the earth connection to the transformer case and pole metal work, and the neutral earth plate or rod shall be separated by not less than 15 feet from the other earth plate or rod.

1.  

   (3)   The transformer and tank shall always be efficiently earthed.

1.  

   (4)   Earth rods or plates shall be of copper, galvanized iron, or other non-corrosive material and the design and construction of the earth rod or earth plates shall be such that, when contact is made between a line conductor and metal connected with earth, the resulting leakage current shall not be less than twice the leakage current required to operate the devices (circuit breakers or fuses) which make the line dead.

1.  

   (5)   All earth electrodes shall be so installed as to eliminate danger from voltage gradients at ground level.

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   (6)   Where steel poles are used they shall be efficiently bonded to all other metal work (except the conductors) on the poles, and shall be effectively earthed, preferably by running a continuous earth wire bonded to each pole and earthed at every fifth pole. Stay wires attached to earth steel poles shall be bonded to them and not have an insulator interposed in the stay.

1.  

   (7)   The metal work on wooden poles shall not be bonded or earthed, except where switch gear (other than isolators or fuses operated by an insulated pole) and/or transformers are mounted on the pole. Stay wires attached to wooden poles having an unearthed metal work shall have an insulator interposed at a height of not less than 10 feet off the ground.

1.  

   (8)   Wooden poles having switch gear (other than isolators or fuses operated by an insulated operating pole) and/or transformers mounted on them, shall have all metal work bonded and earthed at the pole. If the neutral conductor is also earthed at the same pole the neutral earth wire shall be insulated from the metal work bonding an earth wire end earth plate or rod, and the latter shall be separated by a distance of not less than 10 feet from the neutral earth rod or plate. Where the metal work or a wooden pole is bonded and earthed, any stay attached to that pole shall be bonded to the metal work and shall not have an insulator interposed in it.

1.  

   (9)   All earth wires shall be insulated or covered with a wooden capping from ground level to a spot 10 feet above ground level.

1.  

   (10)   Earth connections shall be inspected and tested regularly and the results of such tests shall be recorded in a book kept for this purpose, and this book shall be made available at all times to the Chief Electrical Inspector for the purpose of checking that this regulation is being carried out.

1.  

   (11)   All medium voltage and low voltage systems shall have a neutral conductor connected to a neutral brought out from the low tension side of the transformer and this neutral shall be solidly earthed at or adjacent to the transformer sub-station.

33.   Protection against excess energy

Every circuit of the Supply Authority (other than service lines from distributing mains), shall be protected against excess current and energy by a suitable fusible cut-out or automatic circuit breaker of adequate rupturing capacity. In no case shall any fusible cut-out or circuit breaker be inserted in any conductor permanently connected with earth.

34.   Protection of consumers' installations against excess energy

1.  

   (1)   The Supply Authority shall insert a fusiable cut out or automatic breaker in every service line as close as practicable to the supply terminals and in a position which in the opinion of the Supply Authority is suitable for the purpose.

1.  

   (2)   In no case shall any fuse or circuit breaker be inserted in a neutral conductor.

35.   Safety precautions

The Supply Authority shall during and in connection with the installation, extension, replacement, operation and maintenance of any of their works, observe all recognised safety practices and methods and shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid danger to the public or to any employee or authorised person.

36.   Accidents to be reported by Supply Authority to Chief Electrical Inspector

The Supply Authority shall notify the Chief Electrical Inspector of any accident of such kind as to have caused, or be likely to have caused, loss of life, or personal injury or damage to property which has occurred in any part of the works or circuits of the Supply Authority. The notice shall be sent within 24 hours after the accident occurs. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

37.   Power to inspect and test Supply Authority works

1.  

   (1)   The Chief Electrical Inspector or any person acting under general or specific instructions of the Chief Electrical Inspector shall be entitled at all reasonable times to inspect and to make examinations and tests of the Supply Authority works and to examine and take records of the readings of any instruments.

1.  

   (2)   The Supply Authority shall afford all due facilities for any such inspections, examinations and tests.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

PART 3
WIREMEN OR LINESMEN GENERALLY

38.   Licensing of persons who wire buildings for electricity

1.  

   (1)   Licensing of persons who wire buildings for electricity or install lines to transmit electricity. This part of these Regulations provide for the licensing of persons who carry out the electric wiring of buildings, or the installation of lines for the transmission and distribution of electricity, the regulation of such operations and generally the prevention of minimising of danger to persons or property which may arise from the electrical wiring of buildings, or from transmission or distribution lines.

1.  

   (2)   For the purpose of this part of these Regulations —

   1.  

      (a)     a person shall be deemed to act as a licensed wireman, who, on any occasion, disconnects or removes, the whole or any part of the electric wiring of any building, not being the wiring of any telephone or a lighting conductor or the wiring (including the earthing), or any wireless aerial; but a person is not considered to act as a licensed wireman by reason only of the fact that he or she manipulates a switch, or connects or disconnects a plug from its socket or replaces or installs lamp in a socket or replaces a fuse so long as such replacement is in conformity with any regulations which may be made to regulate the duties of persons to act as wiremen;

   1.  

      (b)     a person shall be deemed to act as a linesman who constructs or installs transmission or distribution lines for the purpose of conducting electricity; including all equipment and accessories necessary to ensure the safe and effective function of the lines, as required by the Regulations.

   1.  

      (Substituted by S.I. 2/1988)

39.   Appointment of Licensing Authority

1.  

   (1)   Cabinet may appoint one or more persons to be a Licensing Authority for the purposes of these Regulations and the Chief Electrical Inspector shall be deemed to have been so appointed.

1.  

   (2)   Each person appointed under subregulation (1) except in the case of the Chief Electrical Inspector, shall hold office for a period of 3 years and is eligible for re-appointment.

1.  

   (3)   Where more than one person is appointed under subregulation (1) to be the Licensing Authority the Chief Electrical Inspector is the chairperson of the Licensing Authority.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

40.   Licences

The Licensing Authority may grant a licence to any person to act as a licensed wireman or linesman who —

1.  

   (a)     makes an application to the Licensing Authority in the prescribed Form A;

1.  

   (b)     satisfies the Licensing Authority that he or she is qualified in accordance with these Regulations, to hold a licence;

1.  

   (c)     is not less than 18 years of age; and

1.  

   (d)     pays the prescribed fee.

1.  

   (2)   Every licence to act as a licensed wireman or linesman shall be in the prescribed Form B, and shall have attached thereto one or 2 recent photographs of the holder which shall be supplied to the Licensing Authority by the applicant for a licence when making his or her application, and every such licence shall be valid for a period of one year unless sooner suspended or cancelled as provided below.

1.  

   (3)   Licences shall be renewed annually on payment of the prescribed fee.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

41.   Application for licences

An application for a licence under these Regulations shall be in the appropriate form and shall be accompanied by the certificates or previous licence (unless surrendered on suspension or cancellation) on which the applicant bases his or her claim to be qualified under regulations 40 and 42. Such certificates shall be returned by the Licensing Authority to the applicant when or before the licence is granted or refused, as the case may be, together with any previous unexpired licence.

42.   Qualifications for licences

A person who —

1.  

   (a)     has qualified for a certificate of efficiency as a wireman or linesman;

1.  

   (b)     has satisfied the Licensing Authority that he or she has received training in or outside Saint Lucia and is in possession of a certificate which qualifies him or her to act as a wireman or linesman;

1.  

   (c)     was the holder of a licence issued or deemed to have been issued under any Electricity Rules or Regulations in Saint Lucia, before the coming into force of these Regulations;

1.  

   (d)     has previously held a licence to act as a wireman or linesman under these Regulations;

1.  

   (e)     has passed the examination prescribed by the Licensing Authority and paid the prescribed fee; or

1.  

   (f)     has been apprenticed as a wireman or linesman and who in the opinion of Licensing Authority can efficiently carry out the duties of a wireman or linesman although he or she does not hold a certificate of proficiency, or has not passed any examination to act as a wireman or linesman,

may be licensed to act as a licensed wireman or linesman.

(Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

43.   Duplicate licences

The Licensing Authority may issue a duplicate licence to an applicant who satisfies the Licensing Authority that his or her licence has been lost or destroyed and that it has not been suspended or cancelled, subject to a fee of $50. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

44.   Power of Licensing Authority to refuse or cancel licences

1.  

   (1)   It shall be lawful for the Licensing Authority to refuse to issue a licence under these Regulations or to cancel a licence held by a licensed wireman or linesman if it is established to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority that the applicant or licensee —

   1.  

      (a)     is prevented from acting efficiently as a licensed wireman or linesman by infirmity of mind or body;

   1.  

      (b)     has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty which he or she committed in the course of acting as a licensed wireman or linesman;

   1.  

      (c)     has been guilty of using his or her knowledge as a licensed wireman or linesman for dishonest purposes; or

   1.  

      (d)     has been convicted of any offence against these Regulations; or

   1.  

      (e)     has been guilty of gross negligence or inefficiency in the course of acting as a licensed wireman or linesman.

1.  

   (2)   Where the Licensing Authority refuses to issue a licence or cancels a licence in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (e) of this regulation they shall afford the applicant or licensee an opportunity to be heard and adduce witnesses before finally determining such refusal or cancellation.

1.  

   (3)   Subject to the preceding paragraph, whenever the Licensing Authority refuses to issue a licence or cancels a licence it shall serve notice of such refusal or cancellation on the applicant or licensee, as the case may be, on the prescribed Forms G and H.

1.  

   (4)   Whenever notice of a cancellation of a licence shall have been served in accordance with paragraph (3) of this regulation, it shall be the duty of the licensee to surrender his or her licence to the Licensing Authority, failing which he or she is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $100.

1.  

   (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

45.   Duty to produce licence

Any licensed wireman or linesman who, on demand by —

1.  

   (a)     the Licensing Authority;

1.  

   (b)     a person to whom he or she has offered and is giving his or her services;

1.  

   (c)     a person by whom he or she is employed or is about to be employed,

refuses to produce his or her licence to act as a licensed wireman or linesman within 48 hours of such demand, commits an offence against these Regulations and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $100.

(Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

46.   Regulating the duties of wiremen

1.  

   (1)   It shall be lawful for the Licensing Authority to regulate the performance of the duties of persons acting as wiremen.

1.  

   (2)   A person shall not perform the duties of a licensed wireman unless he or she holds a valid licence under the provisions of these Regulations.

PART 4
MISCELLANEOUS

47.   Notification of change of load conditions

A consumer shall notifiy the Supply Authority of any material change intended to be made in his or her installation of load conditions. Upon such notification the Supply Authority shall determine if a change in lines or other apparatus is necessary.

48.   Liability of Supply Authority

The Supply Authority shall be responsible for all electric lines apparatus placed by them on the premises of a consumer and either belonging to the Supply Authority or under their control (whether forming the whole or part of the consumers' installation or not) being installed and maintained in a safe condition, such lines and apparatus being of sufficient size and power and being so fixed and protected as to eliminate danger so far as reasonably practicable.

49.   Extraordinary inspections

The Chief Electrical Inspector shall carry out inspections at the request of the Commissioner of Police, the Supply Authority, or the occupier or owner as the case may be for the purposes of determining whether all such installations meet the requirements of safety from personal injury or fire or otherwise to his or her satisfaction and in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations.

50.   Installation completed or begun before commencement of Regulations

All installations coming into operation after these Regulations have been gazetted shall be subject to the provisions of these Regulations.

51.   Notices

All notices issued under these Regulations shall be in writing and shall be delivered or sent through the post to the last known place of abode in Saint Lucia of the person for whom it shall be intended or to his or her agent, and proof of posting shall be proof of delivery.

52.   Settling of differences between Chief Electrical Inspector and licensee

In the event of any difference of opinion between a licensee and the Chief Electrical Inspector or between the management or owner of any installation or apparatus and the Chief Electrical Inspector, regarding any structural question, a question of fitting or adjustment to any installation or apparatus, the matter shall be referred to and determined by a duly qualified person who is mutually acceptable. The cost of the services of such person shall follow the result of the determination or be apportioned between the parties proportionately accordingly.

53.   Chief Electrical Inspector may delegate powers

The Chief Electrical Inspector may delegate to any officer appointed under these Regulations any or all of the powers conferred on him or her under these Regulations.

54.   Licensing Authority may suspend licence

1.  

   (1)   The Licensing Authority may in its discretion suspend the licence of a licensed wireman or linesman in those cases in which the licence may be cancelled if the licensed wireman or linesman admits his or her default in writing to the Licensing Authority.

1.  

   (2)   No period of suspension for any one offence should exceed 3 months and in no case shall a licence be suspended for more than 5 months in any one calendar year.

1.  

   (3)   Notice of the suspension of a licensed wireman's or linesman's licence shall be issued to him or her by the Licensing Authority on the prescribed Form I.

(Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

55.   Chief Electrical Inspector to keep records etc.

The Chief Electrical Inspector shall keep records of issues of licences, cancellations of licences, suspensions of licences, applications for licences, refusals of issue of licence and all other matters which he or she may consider fit to record. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

56.   Fees

1.  

   (1)   The Licensing Authority shall charge such fees as set out in Schedule 1.

1.  

   (2)   Should the installation on inspection be found not fit for approval the fees chargeable in Schedule 1 shall nevertheless be paid for every subsequent inspection required to be made by the Chief Electrical Inspector for the purpose of issuing a certificate of approval.

However, the Chief Electrical Inspector may, where in his or her opinion the circumstances of any particular case justify a reduction of the fees for re-inspection reduce such fees by 50%.

1.  

   (3)   The fees payable for a licence and for installations shall be as specified in Schedule 2.

(Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

57.   Penalties

A person who commits an offence under any of these Regulations for which no specific punishment is provided by these Regulations is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $500. (Amended by S.I. 2/1988)

Schedule 1

PART 1

––––––––

FORM A

PART 2
ELECTRICAL INSPECTION FEE

PART 3
VETTING OF ELECTRICAL PLAN

Schedule 2

PART 1
ELECTRICAL LICENCE FEES

PART 2

Electricity Supply Order – Section 30(3)

(Statutory Instrument 57/2008)

Statutory Instrument 57/2008 .. in force 9 June 2008

Statutory Instrument 50/2011 .. in force 23 May 2011

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ORDER – SECTION 30(3)

Commencement [9 June 2008]

1.   Citation

This Order may be cited as the Electricity Supply Order.

2.   Interpretation

In this Order —

“domestic consumers” means consumers who use the electricity in their homes;

“principal Act” means the Electricity Supply Act.

3.   Application of decrease in basic energy rate to consumers in need of special protection

Subject to section 4, it is hereby determined that the decrease in basic energy rates shall apply to domestic consumers using not more than 180 units of electricity per month in accordance with section 30 (3) of the principal Act.

4.   Duration

The decrease in basic energy rates referred to in section 3 shall apply to domestic consumers in the month following the month in which this Order comes into force and in all subsequent months up to and including the month in which the Company submits its interim return for the financial year 2008 pursuant to section 30 (1) of the principal Act.