New Connections

A licensed electrician must install wiring, otherwise it will not be inspected and approved by the Ministry of Works - Building Control Department, and B.E.C. will not be able to connect a supply to it. You can get a list of licensed electrical contractors from B.E.C.'s Consumer Services Section in New Providence or from the Local Manager at a Family Island location.

Your electrical contractor will fill out a form called "Electrical Permit, Specification of Proposed New Electrical Installation," which gives details of your house or building size, the electrical equipment to be installed, and the type of service required. You or your agent will be asked to co-sign it.

If your house or building is within 60-feet of overhead power lines to which your wiring can be directly connected, there is no Service Charge. There are two exceptions to this:

First: In some subdivisions or areas where BEC has installed the distribution system at its expense, because the developer has failed to do so, there is a Service Charge on all lots to recover this cost.

Second: If your house or building has power requirements too great for the existing overhead lines, then there will be a Service Charge. Generally, wherever it is necessary to install additional equipment such as poles, transformers or underground mains cables, or if you require an underground service cable to your house or building, you will have to pay a Service Charge. In this case, you will receive a letter and an invoice from B.E.C. informing you of this charge, and providing you with further information.

Since it will normally take six to twelve weeks or longer for B.E.C. to install the service equipment once the Service Charge is paid, it is advisable for you to enquire about the Service Charge and pay it as early as possible.

Required Documents:

1. "Electrical Installation Approval Certificate"
2. Copy of "Occupancy Certificate"
3. Security deposit invoice
4. Some form of picture identification such as a valid passport or driver's license and your National Insurance Card. If the account is to be recorded in a company name, then you must bring a letter on the company's letterhead stationary, indicating that the company is accepting responsibility for the account, and authorizing two signatories (their positions should be stated). The company seal is to be affixed to the letter.

Foreign Applicants

In addition to the above items, the applicant, if unemployed, must provide a National Identification Number from his/her country (e.g. social security number etc.) instead of a National Insurance Card.

When your electrical contractor has completed the wiring, he will apply to the Building Control Department of The Ministry of Works for an inspection. The inspector will issue him an "Electrical Installation Approval Certificate" if the wiring is approved. The "Occupancy Certificate" is issued to your building contractor by the same department when your house or building has received all necessary approvals. Together, these two documents permit B.E.C. to connect the supply. Without both of them, B.E.C. cannot connect the supply. There is one exception to this. That is where the Electrical Installation Approval Certificate is stamped "Occupancy Certificate Exemption."  In this case, the "Occupancy Certificate" is not required.

The applicant is required to appear in person to present the required documents. Once the above-mentioned criteria are satisfied, you will be required to pay a security deposit before the supply is connected. The amount of the security deposit is based on your building size, the electrical equipment to be installed, and the type of service required. B.E.C. will prepare an invoice for you stating the amount of the deposit required. Your electrical contractor will forward the invoice to you or you may collect it from the B.E.C. business office.