The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA or Authority) hosted its first informational session and on-site tour of the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas on April 17 for the members of the U.S. Virgin Islands 35th Legislature and the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The two-part event provided senators, chief of staff representatives, and the PSC with the opportunity to learn more about WAPA’s operations, the strategic plan, and its partnership with water provider Seven Seas. During the first part of the session, department heads and Seven Seas’ Caribbean Relations Manager Catherine Wilson shared with senators their organizational structure, alongside highlights and challenges as it relates to the Authority’s progress.
The latter half of the day’s event included a visit to the Randolph Harley Power Plant, where senators were able to see first-hand WAPA’s generation systems and were given a preview on the highly anticipated Wartsila generators and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
“We were pleased to host our local senators and the PSC and share our progress, as well as provide context for some of the more complex challenges we balance as an Authority,” said CEO/Executive Director Andrew Smith. “It was rewarding to be able to showcase the hard work of our dedicated team, as well as the investments into more efficient and cost-effective generation across the territory.”
Throughout the day, senators were encouraged to ask questions and engaged with WAPA leadership to learn more about recently approved federal grants and the list of projects WAPA is currently working on across the territory to improve water quality, harden the electric grid and advance the overall reliability of services offered.
“Our senators represent the customers we serve and have a critical role in ensuring we are able to communicate the progress being achieved at WAPA,” said Shanell Petersen, director of corporate communications at the Authority. “It was a pleasure to share our vision, and we look forward to continuing to enhance the communication channels between this legislative body and members of the WAPA family as we work towards creating a brighter future for our community.”
