Belco has disconnected power to Sandys 360 following a protracted dispute over a significant outstanding balance.

It is not known how much the facility owes the energy company. Belco said last night it would not disclose customer account details.

A spokesman for the centre said: “The directors and management of Sandys 360 regret the circumstances we find ourselves in at this time.

“We acknowledge the right of Belco to take whatever action they considered necessary. We apologise for any inconvenience this action has caused our clients and the community. We are working to resolve this matter.”

A Belco spokeswoman said the action came after a protracted period of discussion, during which Belco made recommendations as to how the facility could reduce energy consumption.

Belco chief operating officer Denton Williams said: “In general, we regard disconnection as a last resort to be taken only when an account is seriously delinquent and a customer is unable to make sufficient payment. In such cases, continued electricity service would only increase a customer’s debt burden.

“Belco would welcome the opportunity to reinstate electricity service to Sandys 360 when the organisation has the capacity to satisfy its obligations and fund future operation of its facilities.”

The $10.1 million Somerset facility, which features a 24-hour gym, NBA-style basketball court and 25-metre indoor pool, first opened to the public in 2009. While the centre was widely applauded, it quickly ran into financial difficulties.

Managing director Melvyn Bassett told The Royal Gazette in April that the centre had struggled financially from the start due to expenses, salaries and monthly energy bills of between $10,000 and $40,000. He also noted that the facility was facing pressure from HSBC Bermuda to repay its loans.

The centre showed combined deficits of $1.4 million for 2009 and 2010, but a surplus of some $121,331 in 2011 due to the assistance of a Government grant.