The January earthquake that devastated Kobe, Japan, may create delays in the re-commissioning of a Bermuda Electric Light Company electricity-generating engine.

Extensive damage was sustained to a large capacity slow speed engine last summer and parts were sent to a Japanese plant, about 150 miles outside of Kobe, to be rebuilt.

The original estimate was for the engine to be back in service for this July, and while the plant was not directly affected by the earthquake, Belco chairman, Mr. Neville Conyers, was not optimistic about a speedy return of the required parts.

He said in the company's annual report for 1994, "We are concerned other priorities in the Kobe area may cause delays in repairs and recommissioning.'' The company is confident that they have taken steps to cover any eventuality to ensure a steady flow of the supply of electricity to Bermuda subscribers.

The Kobe connection is just one distraction to an ambitious Belco plan to move the company into the future.

The company is forecasting smaller growth in the power requirements for the Plethora of major plans in the pipeline at Belco From Page 9 grew in leaps and bounds during the 1970s and 1980s. The firm is looking to establish new businesses and embark on other ventures to expand their revenue base.

The company's purchase of Bermuda Gas & Utility last year is leading to the exploration of least-cost options to meet specific customer needs, and more efficient technologies. Synergistic opportunities from the two companies could provide better service and reduce costs.

Belco also is considering a separate company, or business unit, to deal with the continuing need to place utility equipment underground. There remains a great demand for such "undergrounding'', a demand that is already stretching the company resources.

There may be an opportunity to establish a profit centre with the use of new technology, or an energy services unit to work with customers on an individual basis for personalised energy services.

The utility is also looking at retiring some of its plant earlier, with the need to meet stringent new environment regulations. A new, cleaner running engine is expected to be commissioned in July.

Plans for a 1997 extension to the East Power Station with medium speed diesel engines are on hold, the company said, so that they can "reassess our position in light of potential competition, the Base land restructuring and the uncertainty regarding the extent and effect of new environmental standards.

"Our long term generation plan now calls for the commissioning of a new power station no sooner than 1999.'' The company purchased two gas turbine engines last summer and two diesel engines early this year.

The company is satisfied that 1995 has meant less pollution from Belco, but they are proposing to build a 120-foot common exhaust stack for the new engines being commissioned this summer.

The Environmental Authority has approved the construction of new plant this summer but were still reviewing the operating licence. As a result of Clean Air Act regulations, a new air quality monitoring system is being installed, with at least three stations being installed near the plant.

Government is in receipt of a proposal for Belco to take over the operation and maintenance of the Base's high voltage underground distribution system when the US Navy vacates the property.

They are consulting with a US utility firm, because upgrades would be necessary to bring the system up to the reliability and safety standards of Bermuda and US companies.

The company spent more than a million dollars putting cables underground and they say they will continue to spend at least a million dollars on the project a year.

The utility is still contending that the security of the supply to the western end of the City could be eventually compromised if they can't get a sub station in the area.

Planners have refused their request for a site on Woodbourne Avenue and Belco say they remain concerned about the Development Applications Board's refusal and their reasons. The matter remains under appeal.