ST. THOMAS-ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (April 2, 2026) – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) continues to work around the clock to address the ongoing energy challenges and stabilize the territory’s power system, while acknowledging the real impact service rotations are having on our community.
A specialized technician arrived yesterday and is working alongside WAPA crews to conduct diagnostics and support restoration efforts on Unit 15. In addition, critical parts for Unit 27 have been received, allowing teams to continue progress toward bringing that unit back online. A second technician arrived this morning to assist with expediting Unit 27 repairs.
WAPA reminds the community that of the system’s 10 generators, the three largest Units 15, 23, and 27, are currently down for maintenance repairs. The absence of these units significantly reduces available generation capacity and creates a more fragile operating environment. The Authority is currently relying on its fleet of Wärtsilä generators to meet demand but faces insufficient capacity at certain times of the day, requiring power rotations.
While the rotation schedule is designed to reduce strain on the grid and help prevent widespread outages, it is not fail-safe. Unexpected, district-wide outages may still occur until additional capacity is restored as was experienced this morning at 9:19 a.m. and again at 10:49 a.m. while restoring customers due to instability of the grid.
“The rotation schedule supports system stability, but it cannot eliminate all disruptions,” Lemuel Lavinier, Chief Operating Officer of Electric Systems at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, noted. “We continue working urgently to bring additional capacity online and encourage customers to remain prepared.”
WAPA also emphasizes the importance of ongoing and future energy investments. Additional solar generation and battery energy storage systems would help close the current gap in generation capacity by providing supplemental energy to the system. This reinforces the need for continued support of renewable energy projects under development, including solar farms in Fortuna and Bovoni.
At the same time, long-term relief is ahead through the Prudent Replacement Program, which will further modernize the generation fleet and replace aging infrastructure.
WAPA further advises customers that some areas, particularly downtown Charlotte Amalie and higher elevation communities, may experience intermittent water service or low pressure. Reduced production due to power challenges, combined with a major leak at Polyberg Hill, has impacted system inventory. Crews are actively stabilizing water production and advancing repairs, with improvements expected.
Customers are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for
WAPA alerts and monitoring official communication channels for updates on the rotation schedule and restoration efforts.