U.S. Virgin Islands WAPA

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) is a public-power utility whose core purpose is to enhance the economic development and the quality of life for people living in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the surrounding areas.

WAPA is an autonomous governmental instrumentality of the Government of the Virgin Islands that produces and distributes electricity and potable water to approximately 54,113 electrical customers and 12,390 potable water customers. WAPA also installs and maintains street lights in the territory. WAPA is considered a not-for profit public corporation that contributes directly to the budget of the Virgin Islands Government through an annual payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to the Virgin Islands Treasury.

The Authority was created in Act 1248 on August 13, 1964 by the Fifth Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The enabling legislation was amended by Act 6488 on December 29, 2001 by adding the responsibility of installing and maintaining adequate street lights in the urban and rural residential sections. Prior to Act 6488, the Department of Public Works was responsible for street lights.

On June 24, 1987 the responsibility of distributing potable water was transferred from the Department of Public Works to WAPA in Act 5265. This act expanded the scope of the utility's potable water duties to include not only production of desalinated water, but the distribution of the product through water lines and standpipes.

WAPA operates electrical generation and water desalination units on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Electrical service is provided to St. John, Water Island, and Hassel Island through submarine cables.

Rates for electrical, potable water and street light services are regulated by the Public Services Commission.

WAPA is a member of the American Public Power Association (APPA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). WAPA is also an ENERGYSTAR partner in collaboration with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and was awarded the distinction of Energy Star Partner of the Year in 2008.

The Authority is governed by a nine member board of public and private sector members. The Governor of the Virgin Islands selects the three public sector members of the Board from his Cabinet. As of 2007, they are the Honorable, Robert Mathes, Commissioner of V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Honorable St. Clair N. Williams, Commissioner of Sports, Parks and Recreation, and the Honorable Kenneth Hermon, Jr., Director of V.I. Personnel Services.

The six private sector board members are nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the V.I. Legislature for three year terms. Private sector members come from each district. The St. Thomas/St. John/Water Island district private sector members are: Juanita R. Young, Chairperson, Donald Francois, and Cheryl Boynes-Jackson. The St. Croix district private sector members are: Brenda Benjamin-Vice Chairperson, Gerald Groner, Esq., Chairman of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, and Noel Loftus, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee.

Entrusted into the hands of the Governing Board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is the responsibility to provide the residents of the territory with reliable and affordable water and power for homes, businesses, and all institutions of government. Today, the Board’s challenge has broadened and its’ responsibility is even more urgent as the costs of doing business increase. WAPA continues to travel on a strategic path to bring reliable and affordable service to the utility’s customers. Incorporating alternative and renewable energy sources into its operations will bring WAPA into compliance with the global demand for social and economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations.

The day-to day operations of the Authority are entrusted to Hugo V. Hodge, Jr., CPQ, Executive Director (CEO) and his management team.

	WAPA ... Working for You !!!

		About Us The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) is a public-power utility whose core purpose is to enhance the economic development and the quality of life for people living in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the surrounding areas. WAPA is an autonomous governmental instrumentality of the Government of the Virgin Islands that produces and distributes electricity and potable water to approximately 54,113 electrical customers and 12,390 potable water customers. WAPA also installs and maintains street lights in the territory. WAPA is considered a not-for profit public corporation that contributes directly to the budget of the Virgin Islands Government through an annual payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to the Virgin Islands Treasury. The Authority was created in Act 1248 on August 13, 1964 by the Fifth Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The enabling legislation was amended by Act 6488 on December 29, 2001 by adding the responsibility of installing and maintaining adequate street lights in the urban and rural residential sections. Prior to Act 6488, the Department of Public Works was responsible for street lights. On June 24, 1987 the responsibility of distributing potable water was transferred from the Department of Public Works to WAPA in Act 5265. This act expanded the scope of the utility's potable water duties to include not only production of desalinated water, but the distribution of the product through water lines and standpipes. WAPA operates electrical generation and water desalination units on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Electrical service is provided to St. John, Water Island, and Hassel Island through submarine cables. Rates for electrical, potable water and street light services are regulated by the Public Services Commission. WAPA is a member of the American Public Power Association (APPA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). WAPA is also an ENERGYSTAR partner in collaboration with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and was awarded the distinction of Energy Star Partner of the Year in 2008. The Authority is governed by a nine member board of public and private sector members. The Governor of the Virgin Islands selects the three public sector members of the Board from his Cabinet. As of 2007, they are the Honorable, Robert Mathes, Commissioner of V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Honorable St. Clair N. Williams, Commissioner of Sports, Parks and Recreation, and the Honorable Kenneth Hermon, Jr., Director of V.I. Personnel Services. The six private sector board members are nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the V.I. Legislature for three year terms. Private sector members come from each district. The St. Thomas/St. John/Water Island district private sector members are: Juanita R. Young, Chairperson, Donald Francois, and Cheryl Boynes-Jackson. The St. Croix district private sector members are: Brenda Benjamin-Vice Chairperson, Gerald Groner, Esq., Chairman of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, and Noel Loftus, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee. Entrusted into the hands of the Governing Board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is the responsibility to provide the residents of the territory with reliable and affordable water and power for homes, businesses, and all institutions of government. Today, the Board’s challenge has broadened and its’ responsibility is even more urgent as the costs of doing business increase. WAPA continues to travel on a strategic path to bring reliable and affordable service to the utility’s customers. Incorporating alternative and renewable energy sources into its operations will bring WAPA into compliance with the global demand for social and economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations. The day-to day operations of the Authority are entrusted to Hugo V. Hodge, Jr., CPQ, Executive Director (CEO) and his management team. One WAPA… One GOAL… Satisfied Customers

		9/3/2010
Portions of this website were partially made possible by a $48,000 grant from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.