advent of the year 2000.

"Preparation for the year 2000 involved the upgrading or replacement of several software packages as well as the advancement of several engine overhauls to ensure Y2K preparedness,'' said Belco chairman and chief executive officer Garry Madeiros in a statement yesterday.

"All systems and generating units are now year 2000 compliant and contingency plans have been finalised,'' he said.

Mr. Madeiros told the Gazette that the company is "very confident of the position we are in.'' He added: "We have carried out exhaustive testing and are constantly fine tuning, but we are ready.

"Our contingency plans will allow us to react to anything untoward which might occur, which we do not anticipate will amount to any problems.'' In some cases, Mr. Madeiros revealed, "the clock has been rolled forward'' on certain equipment to ensure that it complies with the year 2000.

A potential problem is thought to exist in computer chips which requires users to ensure that their computers will recognise the year 2000 and not interpret the last two digits as 1900.