The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority recently announced that Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas will receive a backup battery system, made possible through a grant WAPA secured from the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs.
“This system will improve WAPA’s emergency response capabilities by providing essential support to the hospital during natural disasters and unforeseen electrical interruptions, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical operations,” it noted.
The project includes the installation of a 4-hour/two-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System at the hospital, part of WAPA’s strategy to enhance grid reliability across the territory.
The BESS “will strengthen the hospital’s power continuity, support the hospital’s energy management, and protect sensitive medical equipment from power disruptions, safeguarding patient care.”
WAPA also announced funding to acquire a new fleet of electric vehicles, including additional bucket trucks and essential vehicles for its line department, made possible through grants from the Office of Insular Affairs.
“These vehicles will improve WAPA’s ability to address critical operational needs, enhance service reliability, and support key functions such as powerline maintenance,” it said.
“This expansion also includes additional vehicles for meter reading crews, increasing WAPA’s operational efficiency. By adding electric vehicles to its fleet, WAPA is meeting important service needs while also leading the way toward cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy solutions.”
