The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Governing Board recently approved a series of actions aimed at advancing critical infrastructure projects, strengthening financial stability, and accelerating improvements customers will see and feel across the territory, the public power utility said.
The Board authorized amendments "that ensure uninterrupted access to materials for ongoing hazardous mitigation and composite pole projects—work that directly supports a stronger, more resilient electrical grid. By allowing flexibility to account for potential tariff impacts and extending project timelines where needed, WAPA is protecting progress already underway and avoiding costly delays that could affect service reliability for customers."
On St. Croix, the Board approved adjustments to the Queen Mary Highway Phase I Electrical Underground Duct Bank Project that respond to real-world field conditions while keeping safety, environmental responsibility, and long-term performance front and center.
These changes protect mature trees, reduce risky elevated work, improve maintenance access, and ensure infrastructure meets current standards—decisions that prioritize both community impact and system durability.
To maintain operational stability, the Board also approved extensions of existing lines of credit with local banking partners. These no-cost extensions allow WAPA to continue meeting day-to-day operational needs while longer-term financial strategies and reviews move forward, ensuring continuity of service for water and electric customers throughout the territory.
“The Board’s actions today reflect WAPA’s continued focus on strengthening our infrastructure while managing our finances responsibly,” said CEO Karl Knight. “From advancing underground power projects that improve resiliency and reduce outages, to maintaining the financial flexibility needed to support ongoing operations, we are positioning the Authority for long-term stability.”
The approvals "underscore a simple promise: keeping projects moving, modernizing service, and making decisions that protect customers now while building a stronger, more reliable WAPA for the future," the utility said.
