Dear Source:
Yes Mr. Carpenter. Thanks for your interest. WAPA have considered every possible means of lowering the cost of electric power and desalinated water to our customers. Because of our peculiar situation, first as a Public Power utility, there are several constraints that limit WAPA's ability to immediately change to a different source of energy–cost is the highest concern. Because our customer base is relatively small, and WAPA operates all phases of a utility, generation, distribution etc. careful consideration must be given to the eventual cost to the consumer. Some of the renewable that the President refer to are based upon our desire to lessen our dependence on foreign fuel, not necessarily to lowering cost.
Most or all of the technologies out there, would require an outside provider to locate here in the Virgin Islands, where we must supply four islands with electric power and water. We have considered "waste to energy," "wind turbines," "sea and solar," "pet coke," "coal," all of which have certain risk and cost, that eventually make any power purchase agreement too costly, unreliable, and above WAPA's avoided cost. One of the attractions of our island to visitors is our environment and we must consider that whenever we turn to any technology to produce electric power. Additionally, all power providers want to make a profit that is an added cost to WAPA's customers. Your suggestions are welcome always.
Al Franklin
Board Member of WAPA
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