The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority reminds its customers that while service disconnections are not taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary for electric and water utility bills to be paid. Customers are advised that they should pay now to avoid a large accumulated or delinquent bill once the pandemic emergency ends and more normal operations resume.
On Wednesday, Executive Director Lawrence J. Kupfer said customers who remain current on their obligations to WAPA will avoid a large bill or having to enter an installment plan to satisfy any delinquent amounts.
“Regular bill payment also affords WAPA the revenues needed to maintain its operations. I thank those customers who paid their sixty-day bills issued last month, and I encourage those who took advantage of the installment plan to remain current on their obligations to the Authority,” Kupfer said.
He also said that WAPA will not impose a late fee for bills that are not paid by the due date during the pandemic. “Not only is WAPA not disconnecting service on delinquent accounts, we are waiving late fees during the declared state of emergency. We are keenly aware of the adverse impact that the novel coronavirus has had on the economy, on individual income, and, as a result, we have adopted protocols to assist our customers.” However, although service disconnects are suspended, the payment of bills is only deferred, and it is still owed.
Customers are once again encouraged to contact WAPA via telephone to conduct routine business or to use the many convenient options available to make payments on accounts.
“Our preference is for customers to transact business on the telephone or online on the WAPA website. This will adhere with social distancing guidelines, avoid long wait periods and large crowds at banks, or at WAPA’s customer service offices,” Kupfer said.
Payment options include: Pay by Phone, Auto Pay, pay online at www.viwapa.vi. Another option is to deposit a check or money order in drop boxes located at Sunny Isle on St. Croix, The Marketplace on St. John, Port of Sale Mall on St. Thomas or the self-service payment kiosks at Petrus Plaza on St. Thomas. Customers service representatives can be reached by telephone at 774-3552 or 773-2250 and selecting option 5.
Kupfer also thanked the men and women of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority who are on the front lines of engaging with the public during the pandemic, the linemen who maintain the electric grids, and the operators of the territory’s power plants and water distribution systems.
