ST. THOMAS-ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (July 2, 2026) — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority ("WAPA" or "the Authority") is providing an update on ongoing repairs to Unit 27 and the continued rotational service interruptions affecting customers in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
During an overnight scheduled outage early on July 1, WAPA plant personnel successfully replaced the critical component on Unit 27. During post-repair testing, however, the team identified an additional mechanical issue that must be repaired before the unit can safely return to service.
After pursuing the fastest available option to secure the replacement part, plant personnel are prepared to begin repairs immediately upon its arrival. While the unit is offline, crews are also taking the opportunity to complete additional inspections and maintenance to improve the unit's overall efficiency and long-term reliability.
Once the replacement part arrives and repairs are underway, WAPA will have a clearer assessment of the repair timeline and when rotational outages can be expected to end. That information will be shared with the community as soon as it becomes available.
WAPA understands how frustrating these continued rotations have been for customers. We know families, businesses, and visitors are adjusting their daily lives around these interruptions, and we sincerely appreciate the community's support as our employees work around the clock to restore additional generation capacity.
It is important for customers to know that this is not a fuel inventory or payment issue. Unit 27 remains unavailable solely because of a mechanical repair that must be completed before the unit can safely operate. WAPA also extends its appreciation to its core partners for their continued assistance in expediting the arrival of the replacement part and supporting restoration efforts.
To support public safety and minimize service interruptions during the 2026 St. John Festival, WAPA has excluded St. John and the eastern portion of St. Thomas from the current rotational outage schedule.
As a result, several feeders serving other areas of St. Thomas are experiencing rotational outages more frequently than normal. WAPA recognizes the additional burden this places on those customers and sincerely appreciates their understanding as the Authority balances system reliability with public safety.
###
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE