U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – As the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “Authority”) works to continually fortify the territory’s electrical grid, recent progress on St. John’s Feeder 7E Cruz Bay Underground Project highlights forward momentum.

Feeder 7E Cruz Bay Undergrounding Project began March 2021, with 90% of its funding from Federal Emergency Management Agency, and 10% provided by Department of Housing and Urban Development. The primary phase of the undergrounding project which includes all civil and electrical work up to the transformer, was just completed this month, after being temporarily delayed last year due to the discovery of archaeological remains that required analysis and careful extraction. The secondary phase of the project which will encompass all civil and electrical work form the transformer to the customer’s meter is expected to begin in 2023.

Undergrounding is the process of replacing the overhead electrical infrastructure that is typically connected by poles at specific intervals, to below ground and pad mounted infrastructure. Transferring the Authority’s electrical grid underground is a pivotal step in improving the resilience and reliability of the utility. “Historically, after major storms and hurricanes, downed poles and compromised electrical lines have resulted in power restoration being delayed by months. Undergrounding will contribute to improved grid dependability for Virgin Islands residents, particularly during inclement weather,” noted Cordell Jacobs, Interim Transmission and Distribution Director at the Authority.

Feeder 7E Cruz Bay Underground Project will benefit approximately 500 customers including Gallows Point, Mongoose Junction, U.S. Customs, Emergency Health Services, Downtown Cruz Bay, and National Park Services. See highlighted lines on map above depicting the project’s service area.

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