Electricity provider Belco insisted yesterday that it worked quickly to lessen the impact of emissions that affected neighbouring residents.

The company’s managing director, Nadir Wade, defended its track record in the wake of criticisms from area MP Jason Hayward.

Mr Hayward, who represents Pembroke Central, suggested yesterday that the utility company, which is based in the constituency, was not making the health and safety of residents a priority.

He also said that Belco needed to “accelerate the implementation of a long-term solution” to soot emissions from its North Power Station and that it should “engage more transparently and frequently with affected residents, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed”.

The dispute has been running for a number of years, although Mr Hayward spoke out this week after learning that properties near the plant had received “a significant accumulation of soot” over several days last month.

Referring to that incident, Mr Wade said: “In July, Belco was notified that 15 homes experienced impacts related to emissions.

“We responded swiftly to mitigate those impacted customers including painting roofs, washing cars and power-washing properties.

“We’ve been working over the past several years to balance providing Bermuda with reliable electricity production while being better neighbours.

“The concerns of our immediate neighbours are understandable and we continue to take them very seriously.”

Mr Wade pointed out that Belco made efforts to publicise any developments and was in communication with the Bermuda Clean Air Coalition, a pressure group formed by area residents.

He added: “We engage in regular walkabouts and direct meetings, including participating twice in Constituency 17’s Saturday morning clinics to discuss residents’ concerns, and sent letters to the community as recently as last week.

“Belco’s management and occupational health, safety and environment teams engage in open dialogue with neighbours and are responsive to their concerns.

“The company also remediates any impacts on neighbouring properties as quickly as possible.”

He said: “We are committed to transparency and responsiveness and want our neighbours to know that remediation efforts are in place and ongoing.”

Mr Wade said that the company’s long-term strategy was to move away from a reliance on heavy fuel oil.

He explained: “Any transition to an alternative fuel source would aim to reduce emissions and soot fallout.

“Our phased mitigation efforts — which include technical upgrades to engines, odour control enhancements, filtration improvements and operational adjustments — have resulted in significant reductions in fallout and odour incidents.

“These efforts are ongoing and are being optimised continuously.”

Mr Wade said that detailed information and progress updates were available on the company’s website at belco.bm.

He added: “We will continue to listen, take action to improve our operations and mitigate any impacts.

“If any property owner believes they have been impacted by Belco operations, they should contact the OHSE team by visiting the website or calling 295-5111.”