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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesFYI: WAPA Governing Board Addresses Rise in Fuel Costs

FYI: WAPA Governing Board Addresses Rise in Fuel Costs

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Special Message From the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority
Governing Board

The Governing Board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority ("WAPA") is committed to providing reliable and affordable water and power services to the residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a body, we are a representation of the people that we serve. During this difficult time in the Authority's history all residents, including the members of the Governing Board, WAPA management and its employees, feel the effect of the increase in oil prices. The sharp rise in the price of fuel oil is not a matter that affects the Virgin Islands alone. This is a global matter that countries all over the world are struggling with. Utilities, gas stations, airlines and other fuel dependent industries are forced by this fuel crisis to increase their prices as the price per barrel of oil jumps to levels never heard of before.
The employees of WAPA are here to serve the people of this territory and are doing their best for us all. Let us not lose focus of the real matter at hand by others who want to use WAPA as a political stepping stone. We must remember that it is a mandate of law, as well as a standard practice in the utility industry, for the cost of fuel to be passed on to the rate payers. When the price of oil rises or falls, utility bills are adjusted accordingly. WAPA acknowledges that it must decrease its reliance on fuel oil, and it is seeking sources that will offer renewable or alternative energy at a price more affordable than WAPA can produce.
We ask the people of the Virgin Islands for their patience and support as we work to address this most serious problem. Every day in every way, WAPA is working for the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands.

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