U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “Authority”) Governing Board met today Thursday, December 29, 2022, to review four (4) agenda items.
Items approved included the following:
- Approved a cost increase of $300,288.00, and a time extension of 60 days ending February 28, 2023, for Vivot Construction as it relates to the Golden Grove Underground Project (Contract SC-24-20). The additional cost to be incurred is a result of an increase in project material costs.
- Approved a cost increase of $107,677.04, and a time extension of 60 days ending February 28, 2023, for the Container Port Underground Electric Project (Contract SC-22-21). The additional cost is a result of field issued directives and drawing modifications, while the time extension is due to ongoing supply chain challenges.
- Approved a cost increase of $27,498.00, and a time extension of 60 days ending February 28, 2023, for the Midland Underground Electric Project (Contract SC-23-20). Increased costs are a result of additional manhole grounding and rack proposal, while the time extension is being caused by longer lead times for electrical equipment on order.
- Approved a no cost time extension of Contract SC-02-21 from December 31, 2022 to February 28, 2023. Contract SC-02-21 is for the audits of the electric and water financial statements for FY2019 and FY2020 as well as the single audits for FY2019 and FY2020. The time extension will allow additional time for the finalization of the single audit for FY2020. All other audits have been completed.
CEO/Executive Director Smith also took the opportunity to provide board members and the listening audience with a brief update on the Authority’s fuel situation, indicating the Authority is currently spending $1.6M per week in additional fuel cost based on the current diesel/propane energy mix for the islands versus operating with full propane supply. CEO Smith reiterated efforts to secure additional propane supply to offset and lower fuel costs continue.
For media partners and members of the public who were unable to access the meeting via Zoom or attend in person at Al Cohen Mall, please contact wapacommunications@viwapa.vi to request a copy of today’s transcript.