Belco has urged customers to get prepared for storms now that the 2025 hurricane season is under way.

A spokesman for the energy supplier said that the company was “prepared and ready” to respond to hurricanes, but called on the public to do their part to reduce storm-related outages by trimming trees near power lines.

“Property owners must ensure that trees on private property are trimmed at least ten feet away from power lines,” the spokesman added.

“Proper tree maintenance in advance of storm season prevents branches from pulling down power lines and utility poles, which pose serious safety risks to the public.

“Most power outages in Bermuda result from vegetation coming into contact with power lines, making proactive tree trimming one of the most effective ways to maintain electricity service during storms.”

The spokesman said that customers in the Ess Hill area of Paget and the Fort Hamilton area of Pembroke suffered extended outages during Hurricane Ernesto last year because of overgrown trees and shrubs on private properties.

“Proper maintenance of vegetation near power lines is essential for efficient power restoration following storms,” he said.

“Property owners planning to trim trees near power lines must prioritise safety above all else. Power lines must be temporarily de-energised before any trimming work can begin.”

To schedule a temporary outage for tree trimming, property owners can call Belco on 295-5111 or e-mail treetrimming@belco.bm at least three weeks in advance.

The company also urged customers who depend on medical devices to discuss emergency plans with their healthcare providers now, before a storm is on the horizon.

“It is important to plan because hurricanes are unpredictable and each storm impacts Belco’s distribution network differently,” the spokesman said. “This means Belco can never guarantee continuity of supply during and after a storm.”

Residents were also advised to prepare emergency kits, review generator safety procedures and safely report downed power lines, while being careful never to approach or touch a downed power line.

The Atlantic hurricane season started on June 1 and continues until November 30.

Shelly Leman, the managing director of Belco, said: “Forecasters are predicting another above-average hurricane season, and our team at Belco are well prepared for any storms that may impact us this year.

“I am also proud of our team, whose efforts in post-hurricane restoration work has been acknowledged with three Edison Electric Institute Emergency Response Awards for our restoration efforts, with the most recent one being awarded following Hurricane Ernesto in 2024.

“These awards are testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and that we are committed to restoring power to our customers quickly and safely under challenging conditions.”