*Correction: The August 5 outage follows similar planned work completed last month. 

St. Thomas-St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (August 2, 2026) — The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority ("WAPA" or "the Authority") advises customers on the eastern portion of St. Thomas and throughout St. John of a planned overnight power outage beginning on Wednesday, August 5, as crews continue critical work to complete the Feeder 13 Bypass Project, one of the Authority's most significant recent investments in strengthening electric reliability for the St. Thomas/St. John district.

The planned overnight outage is scheduled to begin at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5 and conclude by 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6. The following feeders will be affected:

• Feeders 9E, 8E, 7E, 9C, 7C, 10B, 9B, 7B, Mall and Yacht Haven.

The August 5 outage follows similar planned work completed last month. While that work by WAPA’s contractor, Haugland VI, successfully advanced the project, restoration took longer than anticipated. WAPA recognizes the frustration that caused customers and has reviewed the lessons learned with project teams and contractors. Additional planning, coordination, and operational measures have been implemented to help complete this next phase within the scheduled outage window.

The overnight work window was carefully selected to minimize inconvenience while ensuring the work can be completed safely. By performing the work overnight, when electric demand is lowest, WAPA can reduce the impact on customers while providing crews with the safest opportunity to complete the required work. Because the work is being performed in the immediate vicinity of the high-voltage Feeder 12 transmission line, that line must also be de-energized during construction to protect personnel and ensure the work is completed safely.

The Feeder 13 Bypass Project represents approximately two years of planning, engineering, and construction, supported by FEMA PW 307 funding through an investment of approximately $17 million. Once complete, the project will replace reliance on aging transmission infrastructure with a more flexible and resilient configuration that improves service reliability for customers across eastern St. Thomas and St. John.

During the outage, crews will complete the pull of the final 2 phases up the riser and complete the necessary terminations on both the riser and the manhole next to the Harley substation, bringing the project another step closer to completion. Once fully energized, the Feeder 13 Bypass will:

• Reduce the risk of outages associated with the aging Feeder 13 underground transmission line.
• Provide an alternate transmission path during equipment failures and planned maintenance.
• Strengthen electric reliability for approximately 37,600 customers.

To date, the project has included 3.7 miles of transmission line installed, 155 poles erected, and 12 months of construction. This work is part of WAPA's long-term strategy to modernize the electric grid and reduce the frequency and duration of future service interruptions.

WAPA anticipates that one additional planned outage will be necessary to complete the final phase of the Feeder 13 Bypass Project. Customers will receive advance notice once that work is scheduled.

WAPA recognizes that planned outages are inconvenient and does not schedule them unless they are necessary. By completing this work now, the Authority is making a long-term investment in a stronger, more resilient electric system that will better serve customers for years to come.

Customers are encouraged to charge electronic devices, plan medical or business needs, and take other necessary precautions before the outage begins.

WAPA sincerely appreciates the patience, understanding, and partnership of the community as this important reliability project moves toward completion.

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.

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