U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s (“WAPA” or “Authority”) Governing Board met on last week, Thursday, February 29, 2024, and unanimously approved the following action items.  Under the Planning and Economic Development Committee, the board approved an amendment to Contract SC-10-22 - Grace Civil Cost and Time Extension – Randolph Harley Power Plant Pump House Project highlighting a strategic enhancement to the plant's electrical infrastructure, focusing on improving operational flexibility, redundancy, and reliability. SC-10-22 amendment will provide a time extension to May 31, 2024, and a cost increase not to exceed $89,875.00 to allow for electrical interconnection.

This project is 100% U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded and will provide stable and essential firewater service to protect the generating units in case of an emergency. The construction of concrete housing for the pumps will reduce future damage often caused by intense weather and hurricanes. In an emergency, the commissioning of the electric motor pump will add system redundancy in case of the diesel pump failure to provide sufficient firewater service.

Also approved last Thursday was a no cost, 8-month time extension for contract SC-05-24, the East End Transformer Repair. The time extension will allow the contractor, ABB, Inc., time to source a Load Tap Changer for DT1- Transformer. The repair project will allow the Authority to energize the East End Distribution feeders, return stability to the electric system, and is needed for the Authority to begin the Switchgear Replacement Project on the Donald Francois Substation.

During Executive Session, legal and personnel matters were discussed, and no action was taken.

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.