Image: JAG scholars from Central High School watch an LPG barge depart the Richmond Power Plant after delivering propane for power generation.
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands (September 11, 2026) – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) gave 16 St. Croix Central High School students an inside look at the systems behind the island’s electricity and water services during a facility tour on Wednesday, September 9.
The ninth- and tenth-grade students, participants in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, which prepares students for life after high school, including college, trade school, military service or the workforce, visited WAPA’s Richmond Power Plant and the Seven Seas Water Group reverse osmosis facility to see how electricity is generated, distributed and monitored, and how water is treated for use by customers.
At the Richmond Power Plant, students visited the control room, where they observed the technology used to monitor and manage power generation. They also viewed the generating units that produce electricity, before touring the substation and learning how WAPA’s electrical feeders distribute power across the island. Feeder 8B stood out to the students as the largest feeder on St. Croix.
The students observed the logistics that support power generation, watching a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) barge depart after delivering propane to the power plant. The experience offered a glimpse of the scale of the operation and the role fuel deliveries play in keeping the power system supplied.
At the Seven Seas Water Group reverse osmosis facility, students learned about the water treatment process and had the opportunity to examine and handle the membranes used to filter water. The hands-on experience provided a tangible look at the technology used to support the delivery of water services to customers.
Together, the experiences gave students an opportunity to explore potential career paths firsthand while gaining exposure to the people, technology and operations behind WAPA’s water and electrical services.
WAPA will welcome 11th- and 12th-grade Central High School JAG students next week, continuing its outreach to young people and providing opportunities to explore utility operations and potential career paths within the Authority.
Students, schools and organizations interested in visiting WAPA facilities can contact:
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.