Belco bosses yesterday assured a Hamilton Rotarian audience that there would be no blackouts or power failures as a result of Year 2000 bug.

Chief executive officer Garry Madeiros gave a noontime speech outlining plans -- including an expansion project -- slated for the time leading up to the new millennium.

And he said equipment had already been tested for glitches and both engines and systems continued to work uninterrupted.

"All of the engines except one (out of 17) will be compliant -- and have been tested to ensure no difficulties -- by the end of the year,'' he said.

Mr. Madeiros said $3.5 million had been spent on computer systems to ensure a smooth transition.

He noted that five main systems had been replaced, including the human resource system, the customer information system and the financial reporting system -- each of which had also been tested for compliance.

And Mr. Madeiros stressed the importance of making sure each of Belco's suppliers -- Esso, for example -- were also operating on compliant systems.

But he said Belco would have a three-month fuel supply stored in the event that any problems occurred.

The second phase of his speech focused on the $41 million project "Generation Expansion''.

The project will see the addition of two 216-ton 14.3 megawatt engines and a 205-foot concrete stack.

Mr. Madeiros assured that Belco had taken care to ensure environmental standards.

He said there would be no increase in the noise level at the plant because of the strong acoustical design of the building.

Mr. Madeiros said the new engines will be placed on air springs that would absorb at least 90 percent of the vibrations.

And he claimed that overall emissions may actually be reduced as a result of the efficient engines and the height of the stack.

Belco is currently seeking permission to close Cemetery Road for at least a 12-month period in the beginning of the year although the portion with businesses and residences will be accessible.

Demolition has already begun, and Mr. Madeiros suggested construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of the year.

Garry Madeiros