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Public Power

powering our islands together

 

At the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), we’re proud to be a public utility, locally owned, operated, and committed to serving the people of our islands. As a provider of public power and water, we’re accountable to the residents, businesses, and communities we serve. Explore this page to learn about the benefits of public power, how we are investing in our communities, and to meet the dedicated staff who keep WAPA running.
 

 

The Heart of a Public Utility

As a public utility, WAPA is owned and operated by the communities it serves. This structure brings several key advantages:

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Local Ownership
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Not-for-Profit
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Accountability

 

What are the Benefits of Public Water and Power?

  • Locally-focused Decisions: Decisions are made by community members located in the Virgin Islands. This allows for informed responses to our communities’ unique needs by people who know our islands and can act quickly when problems arise.

  • Affordable Service: WAPA is committed to keeping rates affordable for our residents. While utility rates across the Caribbean Basin increased 50% since 2021, WAPA has held rates flat, shielding residents from this cost.

  • Economic Benefits: WAPA supports local jobs in the Virgin Islands and keeps dollars in our communities. Any revenue generated by WAPA is reinvested into local infrastructure and improving services.

 

Reinvesting in Our Community

At WAPA, we’re committed to strengthening our infrastructure, investing in renewable energy, and enhancing the quality of life across the Virgin Islands.

Infrastructure Improvements
Through FEMA-supported Prudent Replacement Programs and other key projects, WAPA is investing in upgrades that make our systems stronger and more reliable. These include expanding solar generation and battery storage, undergrounding electrical lines, installing composite poles, advancing water system rehabilitation, and deploying advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to improve service accuracy and responsiveness. Together, these efforts enhance grid stability, storm resilience, and service quality across the territory.

Renewable & Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Under the VIEnergize banner, we’re expanding solar generation, battery storage, and grid modernization while advancing efforts that encourage conservation, value-add services for our customers, and sustainable energy use throughout the Virgin Islands.

Community Engagement
We’re connecting with residents through educational outreach, volunteer events, and storytelling initiatives that inspire the next generation — from classroom presentations to hands-on activities that demonstrate how energy and water shape our daily lives.

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Leading by Example

At WAPA, our employees don’t just work for the utility—they are active members of the community. Every day, they work hard to ensure their neighbors, friends, and family have reliable power and water.

Meet some of the dedicated community members who make up the WAPA Family:
 
"Life has no limitations; except the ones you make." ~ Les Brown
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Genesis Sanes, Senior Customer Service Clerk
Shanell is proud to contribute to an organization that serves the people of the Virgin Islands every single day. Being part of a team that supports her community is what fuels her passion.
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Shanell Petersen, Director of Corporate Communications
Jamari believes the goal as a company is to have a customer service that is not just the best, but legendary.
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Jamari Shoy, Meter Reader

 

"Make a customer, not a sale." ~ Katherine Barchetti
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Najhai Matthews, Meter Reader
My strengths isn't measured by the comfort of my success, but the choices I make when facing failures.
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Aurea Statamakis, Customer Service Rep
Paula is all about supporting customers through clear data, responsive service, and timely solutions.
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Paula Richards, Meter Reader Supervisor

 

Learn More About Public Power

We are proud to serve the Virgin Islands and are committed to building a future that prioritizes the well-being of our communities. Explore our current projects, learn how we’re improving energy reliability, and discover what we’re doing to make the Virgin Islands a leader in public power.

 

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